Graduates Urged to Embrace Skill Acquisition to Tackle Unemployment

Dr. Vincent Paul, a senior lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has advised unemployed graduates across Nigeria to focus on acquiring practical skills as a means to address the growing challenge of unemployment.

Speaking on Wednesday in Lafia during the inauguration of the university’s National Executive Council of its Alumni Association and the launch of a Trust Fund for Legacy Projects, Dr. Paul stressed that graduates must move beyond the search for white-collar jobs and take ownership of their economic future.

He encouraged young Nigerians to actively develop their talents and vocational abilities, noting that self-employment through skill acquisition remains one of the most viable solutions in today’s job-scarce environment.

“Rather than waiting endlessly for limited job openings, graduates should learn a skill that can help them start small businesses and generate income,” he said. “Many have become employers of labour simply by developing and applying their skills.”

Dr. Paul also urged political leaders to support youth empowerment by frequently organizing skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training programmes. He said such initiatives would not only promote self-reliance and financial independence among young people but also contribute positively to national development.

Turning his attention to the newly inaugurated Alumni executives, he called on them to implement sustainable initiatives that could drive growth within the association and support underprivileged members. He emphasized the importance of using the newly launched trust fund to finance legacy projects, boost entrepreneurial ventures, and ensure smooth leadership succession within the alumni network.

“To achieve any meaningful impact, we need a solid financial foundation,” Dr. Paul said. “Our collective mission as NSUK alumni is to preserve our legacy, empower future generations, and establish lasting frameworks that reach beyond geographical boundaries.”

In his remarks, the newly elected National President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Nuhu Egya, expressed appreciation to members for the trust placed in him. He pledged to work diligently to elevate the association and deliver on its mandate.