By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo has called on universities to leverage on the Directorate’s experiences in job counseling and entrepreneurship mentorship to prepare their graduates for the real world.
Fikpo disclosed this at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Public Lecture themed, “The Role of National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Preparing Nigerian Undergraduates for the Larger Society.”
He said that over the years, the Directorate had garnered field experiences in job counseling and entrepreneurship mentorship, which the Universities’ Entrepreneurship Development Centers could leverage on.
The Director General said it is now mandatory, as enshrined in the National Policy on Education for each student at all educational levels, to acquire a skill at one skill-set before graduation.
Fikpo noted that the transition from undergraduate education to the broader societal landscape presents numerous challenges for the undergraduate while undertaking his or her academic activities.
He revealed that the Directorate against this backdrop, recognized the importance of equipping undergraduates with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The Director General commended the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi for establishing a Directorate of Entrepreneurship Studies and Skill Acquisition, in the University describing the effort as very proactive and thinking ahead for the students.
FIKPO held that the NDE as a pivotal institution within the National development framework of Nigeria, had emerged as a key player in facilitating their transition from undergraduate (environment and mind set) to the larger society (real world).
According to him, Its mandate often encompasses the provision of employment opportunities, Vocational and Technical skill acquisition and Entrepreneurship development.
Others are Agribusiness promotion as well as Public Infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation programmes for unemployed citizens, particularly the youth and undergraduates.
Fikpo said that in this Postindustrial society, digital inclusivity has become imperative to all (whether unschooled, school leavers, undergraduates and graduates of tertiary institutions).
He called for an alignment of the National Information Technology Policy with the National Policy on Education and the need to develop standard ICT curriculum for schools (All education levels).
The NDE DG charged graduates to acquire skills saying, “In the 21st Century, an illiterate is not somebody who cannot read or write, but somebody who cannot avail him/her self of the opportunities of acquiring relevant skills for self-reliance.
Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of University, earlier in his welcome address solicited positive collaboration with the NDE to create a seamless transition for graduates from the academic to the real world for them to excel in their chosen fields.
The Vice Chancellor said it was against this backdrop that the institution’s management established the Directorate of Entrepreneurship Studies and Skill Acquisition from inception of his administration with a policy slogan, “No skills, no graduation.”
He described the theme of the Public Lecture as apt, saying, “Today’s topic, ‘The Role of National Directorate of Employment in Preparing Nigerian Undergraduates for the Larger Society,’ could not be more pertinent.
“In a rapidly changing world, the transition from academia to the professional world is often challenging for many young graduates.
“However, with the right guidance, support, and opportunities, our graduates can become effective contributors to society.”
Prof. Akinwumi noted that the NDE plays a crucial role in the transition process through its various programmes and initiatives.
“Through its various programmes and initiatives, it equips young Nigerians with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive in the workforce and make meaningful contributions to the development of our nation.
“As Vice-Chancellor, I firmly believe that collaboration between academic institutions and organizations like the NDE is essential in ensuring the holistic development of our students.
“By working together, we can create a seamless transition for our graduates and empower them to excel in their chosen fields”, he said. (Ends)