Fubara advocates for shift to skills-based education

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called for a greater emphasis on vocational and technical education to better equip young Nigerians with practical skills necessary for employment and self-reliance. During an event in Rumuola, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the governor highlighted that the country's focus on certificates and degrees at the expense of practical skills has contributed to unemployment and poor economic growth.

Fubara suggested revisiting the outdated 6-3-3-4 education system, which aimed to provide vocational and technical skills based on students' aptitudes and preferences.

He emphasized that students should be able to acquire useful skills before leaving secondary school, allowing them to create jobs or become self-employed. Fubara stated that polytechnics were established to enable individuals with technical abilities to further develop their skills and contribute positively to society. According to the governor, the polytechnic system was designed to allow those gifted in hands-on work to enhance their abilities and add value to the nation.

Fubara also noted that entrepreneurship centers aim to help students build practical skills that enable them to become employers rather than job seekers after graduation. With technological advancements reshaping the modern workplace, he advocated for an educational system that prepares young people for the demands of the current job market.