STIMULATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND RETURN ARTISAN SKILLS
In the current day, we have more and more people working for themselves. Before I move on to the specifics, Centuries ago, people learned their skills by apprenticing with a master artisan. They started young, doing all the drudgery and repetitive work which includes running errands, sweeping floors, keeping the fires burning. But they didn’t care. They knew that over time they would become highly skilled in a craft and would have a profitable and rewarding career—even if it took years to achieve that level.
Young apprentices learn how to produce high-quality products on their own that would be in demand and respected by many.
Higher education and critical thinking
I am aware of the huge advantages that a University education brings to bear in terms of critical thinking and the discipline and rigor of the academic pursuit. One cannot measure this training – it is invaluable.
Does a University degree guarantee employment?
A university degree does not guarantee employment especially in a country like Nigeria and, just as bad, there are many who get their degrees but find that they are ill-equipped for the world of work and are often unemployable. Many of the Nigerian graduates end up working in positions that do not require graduate training. In other instances there is an oversupply of graduates and the employment market cannot absorb them all. Again graduates leaving University find they cannot get jobs.
The demise of entrepreneurship/artisan training
As somebody who is now an entrepreneur and small business owner and who works with other entrepreneurs, the recent events have highlighted for me yet again:
- the problem of the refrain from the Government that University education is a right for all
- the prioritizing of university education over technical training
So my plea to Government would be to
- work towards removing the stigma around not having a University education
- Create and encourage technical colleges
- apply the free education or discount policy to students attending these technical colleges
- ensure high standards of training emphasizing both qualities of workmanship and pride in one’s profession – ‘Whatever you are, be a good one
- focus on the job creation opportunities created by the small business sector
- remove red tape facing small business owners
- promote the financial advantages of entrepreneurship.
And of course, start investing in education from early childhood … but that is another area of discussion. For now: focus on developing the much-needed skills required in the marketplace and the excellent career opportunities which do not require a University degree.
Source: jerryexpressng
