Oshiomhole urges youths to embrace vocational skills

Former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, encouraged young Nigerians to pursue vocational skills in a recent Senate debate on the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026. He highlighted that construction companies were struggling to find electricians while diplomatic missions could not recruit chefs.

Oshiomhole emphasized that basic education should equip citizens with practical skills, not just university degrees. He noted that the country lacked skilled workers despite many young people pursuing formal education. Oshiomhole also pointed out that technical skills could lead to better earning opportunities compared to some conventional career paths.

He clarified that his stance was not against university education, but rather to acknowledge the value of practical skills alongside academic qualifications. The senator called for transparency in the proposed legislation to ensure proper use of funds allocated for education. The bill aims to strengthen the administration and coordination of public senior secondary education, establish education boards in states and the Federal Capital Territory, and provide funding support to Federal Unity Colleges and Armed Forces senior secondary schools.