By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Experts drawn from the education, secular and religious sector have called on the school administrators to introduce entrepreneurial and soft skill studies into the curriculum in Akwa Ibom.
They stated this on Wenesday in a career Guidance/Counselling workshop for graduating secondary school students at Abak sponsored by Organisation, Development Research and Projects Centre(dRPC) in partnership with Open Society Foundations.
Key note speaker, at the event, Engr. Ani Umoren, at the occasion said the introduction of entrepreneurial and soft skill studies at the secondary school level becomes imperative due to limited job opportunities in the country.
Umoren also encouraged the graduands to look out for their capabilities and apply same to what they were taught in school to avoid being frustrated at the long run.
According to him,”‘there are hardly job opportunities in the country now, unlike before, students now need to show working. You should engage in entrepreneurial skills like plumbing, electrical, automobiles and so on.
“I implore the school to introduce entrepreneur skill and soft skill because the future of the country is moving away from big industries to entrepreneurs.
Head of Department, Industrial Technology Education, University of Uyo, Dr. Aniefiok Udofia urged the graduating students to create job for themselves using technical skills acquired in their school.
“You should all try to grow above what you were taught with respect to application of knowledge technology and innovation. This will help provide food on the table, create income, employment and wealth.” Udofia said.
He urged the graduands to become relevant in their chosen career by tasking their brain, work to make new findings as well as having a vision and building of more capacity.
In his remarks, Mr Idem Udoekong, the representative of the sponsors took the students on how to present their ideas urging them to always exhibit proper ethics and morals, improve on their digital an ICT skills and follow the rule of partnership and cooperation.