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The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to look beyond merely bagging university degrees, but to acquire skills.

The Government therefore, stressed the need for investment in skills acquisition and technological advancements to ensure greater productivity.

This was contained in a statement by the Director General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Baffa Dan Agundi.

The DG made this disclosure during the National Unity Robot Project held at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Agundi highlighted the growing relevance of technical skills in a rapidly evolving economy. He noted that many skilled artisans, such as vulcanizers and mechanics, often generate more income than university graduates employed in civil service roles.

Agundi, therefore, emphasized that Nigerians must change their mindset and prioritize productivity-enhancing skills.

He said, “I believe Nigeria needs something like this robotic program.”

“Parents are rushing their kids to universities for degrees that may not yield anything. While their creativity and productivity can be nurtured in other educational settings.

“Mechanics, vulcanizers, and other SMEs, many without degrees, are thriving. While our graduates are seeking jobs, a street vulcanizer can often earn more than a graduate working for a government agency.”

Agundi, therefore, urged Nigerian parents to reconsider pushing children through the academic system without preparing them for a productive future.

“We need to stop pushing underage children to finish school quickly, just to bag degrees,” Agundi cautioned.

The DG used the occasion to share his efforts to equip National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members attached to the NPC with the skills necessary to become independent after their service year.

He said, “At my center, we ensure that Corps members leave with something tangible. It’s not enough for them to just serve and go.”

Speaking in the vein, the President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Dr. Samira Jibir, echoed Agundi’s sentiment.

She stressed the importance of nurturing young minds with technological skills. Especially in the celebrated nation’s progress in technological advancement, particularly in robotics.

Jibir said, “Nigeria is beginning to live up to expectations as Africa’s giant with rapid advancements in technology. Especially in the development of robotics.”

“Robotics in Nigeria reflects the global trend of integrating automation and AI into various sectors. Such as manufacturing, agriculture, and education.”

Jibir, therefore, urged parents to carefully consider their children’s age and maturity before rushing them through the education system. She warned that it could jeopardize their future.

“We must avoid the hurried school syndrome that puts undue pressure on children,” she cautioned.

The NAPPS President appealed to relevant government agencies to reinforce their regulatory roles. And ensuring alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for a skilled, technologically advanced workforce.

In his remark, the U-Robot Project Coordinator, Harvest Ibrahim, shared the project’s objectives. He revealed that 10,000 children aged between two and fifteen had been selected to participate.

“These young participants,” he said, “would work under AI experts to develop robots. And focusing on identity definition, material sourcing, and robot assembly.

“The idea of a robot globally symbolizes man’s attempt to recreate human tendencies to improve life. Our project is aimed at nurturing a new generation of productivity-cultured Nigerians,” Ibrahim explained.

“Though we may not be sending men to the moon, thousands of Nigerian children will soon disrupt the global conversation with their innovations.”

“With initiatives like the National Unity Robot Project, Nigeria is stepping into a future. Where skills and creativity will take center stage, leaving the traditional degree-focused mindset behind,” Ibrahim warned.

 

source: Nigerian Tribune

 

 

 

 

 

 

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