Got Skills? Ending the Cycle of Poverty through Skills Acquisition
Nigeria is a developing country and just like other developing countries, it is faced with various challenges. These range from unemployment, employability to issues of nation building. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, people between the ages of 18-24 years old are the most affected by unemployment. The unemployment rate in Nigeria is 14.2%.
What do the statistics mean as it relates to you?
Unemployment rate of 14.2% means that of the million people who are of employment age, there are jobs available to only XXX million. You are one of millions of new graduates vying for jobs in the same organisations.
The evolution of the job market also means the course you studied in a higher institution is no longer a guarantee you will get a job after graduation. Secondly, there is a link between unemployment and poverty. Unemployment means you have no earnings, no earnings means an automatic downward plunge of your standard of living; from this plunge poverty stares you in the face. You become a United Nations definition that states “poverty is a condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to services”, and are automatically included in a United Nations measurement that says, “poverty is when you live on less than one dollar twenty-five cents daily ($1.25)”
Don’t be statistic, acquire a skill. Learn to do something that will earn you an income with your hands and not just your ‘head’.
RSVP Lagos mixology training holding at the Vocational Centre in Oshodi
Skill is expertise. It is that one thing you’ve mastered well or are in the process of mastering. Whether vocational or technical, a skill acquired will guarantee an income and improve your standard of living for you and your family.
Acquiring a skill ensures you can provide for yourself with or without external influence such as the government or an organisation. You are the ‘boss of you’, your skill is the pathway to your success. It means you are taking charge of your development and your future. The type of skill and problems you can solve for others is directly aligned with your earning power. You can also have a positive effect on the society by being an employer of labour. Acquiring a skill is empowering!
She just finished learning how to make a mocktail.
There are numerous vocational/technical skills that can be learned; tailoring, phone repair, cake making, hairstyling, barbing and make-up artistry are examples of some of these skills.
There are people who ‘paint other peoples face’ (make-up artists) who are flown to other countries from Nigeria first class to do just that, ‘paint’ someone’s face!
Young people learning tailoring at a Vocational centre in Oshodi.
There are numerous places one can acquire a skill in Nigeria. Vocational courses are offered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and other places across the federation; through technical schools or simply spending your free time volunteering with a mentor in your area of interest.
There is no excuse not to acquire a vocational skill as it may prove to be the difference between unemployment and poverty in your future.
Trainer putting young girl through as she learns how to sew.
Do you want to be a local of global ‘champion’, contributing to the Nigerian project? Education is not limited to getting a degree, acquire a skill today. In the 21st century passion and drive is what sets people apart. You know what you are passionate about. Enjoy this summer holidays by taking a step to learn something with your hands and embrace earning money now!
