Chief Adebisi Akande, a former Governor of Osun State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian educational institutions to transition from traditional practices to modern, skill-oriented approaches.
Akande made this call at his residence in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, during a visit by the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Babatola Ayodele, alongside other principal officers. The elder statesman highlighted the critical role of education in global competitiveness, warning that failure to equip graduates with practical skills could leave the nation lagging behind in the global economy.
“Universities should avoid producing graduates that cannot add value to the economy,” Akande stated. “Awarding degrees without imparting relevant skills needed for national growth and economic development should be discouraged. Going to school is not work; it is the beginning of learning how to work.”
He commended EKSU for its recent achievements, noting that the institution’s recognition as Nigeria’s best state university by Times Higher Education reflects the impact of visionary leadership.
The EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Ayodele, described the visit as a means to draw from Akande’s wealth of experience and guidance to further the university’s progress. Ayodele expressed pride in EKSU’s commitment to holistic education, noting that the institution ensures all students graduate with vocational skills essential for life after school.
“No student leaves EKSU without acquiring relevant skills in one vocation or the other,” Ayodele said. “This prepares them for profitable engagements instead of solely relying on white-collar jobs.”
The university delegation expressed gratitude for Akande’s hospitality and pledged to continue advancing the institution’s mission of producing well-rounded, globally competitive graduates.
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