Ondo Gov. Olusegun Mimiko on Wednesday advocated for more emphasis on vocational education to address the alarming rate of unemployment in the country.
Mimiko identified skill acquisition as a major panacea for curbing joblessness and youth restiveness in the country.
He gave the suggestion while presenting certificates of proficiency to graduates of a skill acquisition programe in Akure.
The governor enjoined tertiary institutions to introduce vocational skill pragrammes in their curricula to reduce unemployment .
Represented by his wife, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, the governor charged students in tertiary institutions to avail themselves of the opportunity of acquiring skills in vocational education to make them self reliant.
He also advised the over 800 graduates of skill acquisition centres in the state to be more creative and pro-active to enable them excel in their various vocations.
Mimiko directed the state Ministry of Adult, Technical and Vocational Education to provide viable training for unemployed persons across the state, irrespective of any affiliation.
“Visitation panel was set up shortly after assumption of office to restructure the Ministry.
“It was towards this end that 28 skill acquisition centres were established in the 18 local government areas across the state.
“Youths were trained in food processing, soap making, tie and dye, chalk production, fashion design, catering services, cloth weaving and fish farming, among other skills,” he said.
The governor urged the graduates to be abreast of modern innovations in their respective trades, including the fashion industry and to make their products compete favourably with others in the market.
Mrs Margret Akinsuroju, the Commissioner for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education, said the overall objective of the programme was to stimulate the interest of young people in technical and vocational education.
Akinsuroju disclosed that N10 million was released by the governor for the construction of modern workshops at Afo and Ikun Akoko Skill Acquisition Centres.
She said that 825 trainees had been presented with certificates after completing their courses in various skills within the period of six to 12 months. (NAN)