The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Babatola Ayodele, has advocated the involvement of relevant stakeholders in formulating education policies to tackle unemployment in Nigeria.
Professor Ayodele made the call as keynote speaker during a roundtable discussion organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, BSES Chapel held at Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti.
The discussion, titled “Addressing Unemployment Through New Education Curriculum,” was attended by the management and staff of the station, led by General Manager, Mr. Olurotimi Popoola.
Professor Ayodele, represented by the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Wole Adebayo, identified integrating technical and vocational training, fostering industrial collaboration, and implementing active learning as key measures to reduce unemployment in the country.
Professor Ayodele highlighted that a revamped curriculum would stimulate economic growth and support social mobility.
He decried the spate of Japa syndrome among Nigerian youths due to lost societal values and urged the government to shift from a theory-heavy curriculum to a competency-based model involving relevant stakeholders.
Welcoming attendees, NUJ Chairman, Mr. Kelechi David said the programme aimed to find ways to provide employment for youth through the new education curriculum in Nigeria.
The BSES General Manager, Mr. Popoola, in his goodwill message, stressed the need for parents to instill moral values of integrity, respect, and hard work in their children.
Participants also emphasized the importance of embracing indigenous languages and avoiding colonial mentality.
