The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reduce the challenges of unemployment in the state by promoting the acquisition and utilisation of relevant skills that are indispensable for economic growth.
The governor made this known through his Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education, Dapo Ademola-Adesina while speaking with the state’s board on Technical and Vocational Education during his working visit to the Government Technical College Osogbo.
He stated that the Adeleke-led administration is ready to give all technical colleges in the state a total face-lift that would enhance and develop technical and vocational education.
Lamenting the unemployment rate which he said is at an alarming rate in the society, he reiterated that technical and vocational studies is the surest way to meet the state’s present and future socio-economic needs.
He also reiterated that the governor has given him the mandate to restore nine technical colleges and vocational centers in the state to global standards as part of efforts to reduce unemployment; a major factor in the Adeleke administration’s 5-point agenda.
“Vocational and Technical Education, formerly known as “education for work” focuses on inculcating in learners the abilities and knowledge required to take up trades or crafts and over time, technical and vocational training has proven to be one of the best ways to provide employment opportunities that can combat the increasing rate of unemployment among youths and allow for the exploration of their natural and inborn talents.
“We have a performing governor who cares about the development of our state and I can assure you that he is ready to transform technical and vocational studies in this state, I have met with other stakeholders for collaborative efforts. I am also seeking your unflinching support to help our youths unleash their full potential for the development of our state,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the board, Mr Abayomi Omigbodun, who welcomed the Special Adviser, said his team is ready to support any move that will transform vocational centres and Technical colleges across the state into a model for the other 35 states of the federation.
He enumerated the numerous challenges and problems of the agency which have caused stagnancy and also inhibited the growth and development of Technical and Vocational education in the state, highlighting the lack of funding, inadequate manpower and the need for operational vehicles to run the day-to-day activities of the nine technical colleges in the state.
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