By Boniface Onyedi
Following the rising rate of youth unemployment in the country, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh has, Thursday, August 25, 2022 tasked the Federal Government to engage in massive skills development of the youths to stem the tide of joblessness.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Admin.), Prof. Christopher Ajuwa stated this at the graduation of participants of the Men’s Skills Acquisition Programme sponsored by the Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) for the host communities trained at the FUPRE Centre for Vocational Studies in Effurun.
He noted that the nation should equip the youths to be self-employed with such skills that could make them contribute to the economic growth and development of the country, stressing that NGML has demonstrated rare commitment to human capital development through the skills empowerment programme as part of its corporate social responsibilities.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh called on other corporate entities to follow suit and partner with the University to continue to provide specialised trainings and education to the teeming populace of the youths in the country to become self-reliant and be useful to the society.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Nigeria Gas Marketing Limited, Barr. Justin Ezeala said the effort was in response to the commitment to building a strong and long-term relationship with the host communities which was the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative in prioritizing the communities’ well-being.
Represented by Mr. Ekpo Ederin, the Managing Director commended the FUPRE Centre for Vocational Studies for the rigorous programme that has shaped the participants, adding that the Centre exhibited total competence, character and professionalism worthy of emulation as shown by the participants demonstration of practical in-depth of knowledge in their various vocations.
He emphasised that the participants which ranges from 15 to 45 years would be empowered to contribute positively to their families, communities and the nation at large, stressing that the participants will receive take-off grants to enable them own shops in addition to the starter packs provided.
In separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Christopher Izelu and Registrar, Mrs. Jane Omoyine enjoined the participants to be diligent in the use of the opportunity given to them and resist the temptation to sell off the equipments given to them, but utilise them to better their lives.
Highlights of the event was presentation of starter packs to the participants on the four categories of vocation acquired which include catering, ICT, Fashion and Photography.
Present at the event include the Director of University Linkages, Prof. Theresa Egbuchunam, Acting University Librarian, Dr. Gloria Tinuoye and Director of FUPRE Centre for Vocational Studies, Dr. Emmanuel Okwhulegbe.