Education Alone Is Not Enough: Why Youths Should Acquire Skills In The Face Of Rising Unemployment -‎By Rukevwe Felix

‎In today’s society , especially in Nigeria, getting a good degree is not a guarantee of getting a Job. Every year, thousands of graduates leave universities with high hopes of getting employed, after their NYSC ,but many end up spending years searching for jobs even with their good certificates and qualifications. This is why acquiring a skill before entering into the university or while studying is very important.

While Education is very important, because it provides knowledge and prepares people for different professions. It helps students develop critical thinking and gain qualifications that can open doors to opportunities. However, the current rate of unemployment in Nigeria shows that certificates alone may not be enough, in my opinion i think it’s advisable for young people to acquire practical skills alongside their academic qualifications in order to improve their chances of success.

‎In our society today, it is not uncommon to find graduates working as commercial tricycle riders, cleaners, sales attendants, or engaging in small businesses just to survive despite having good academic qualifications.

Many graduates are unemployed, not ‎because they are not educated, or qualified but because there are not enough job opportunities available and it’s disheartening. In this situation skill acquisition is more important than ever. Skills such as graphic design, web design, ‎photography, fashion design, baking, bead making, shoe making, and digital marketing can provide additional sources of income.

‎In our society today many people’s source of income and means of survival are from skill acquisition. Some students even use their skills to support themselves through school and reduce the financial burden on their parents.

One advantage of acquiring a skill is that it promotes self-reliance and creates opportunities for entrepreneurship .A young person who has a skill can earn money without waiting for a white-collar job.
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‎Skilled individuals can start their own businesses and even employ others rather than joining the long queue of job seekers after graduation in this way unemployment in the country is reduced.

‎This does not mean that education ‎should be neglected. Education and skills should go hand in hand. While education provides knowledge and qualifications, skills provide practical experience and opportunities for income generation.

‎In my opinion, Considering the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria today every young person should strive to learn at least one useful skill while pursuing their education. The combination of education and skill acquisition increases the chances of success and prepares individuals for the realities of today’s job market.

‎In conclusion, the rate of unemployment in Nigeria today has made skill acquisition a necessity rather than an option. While Education remains valuable, having a practical skill can make a significant difference , and one can earn a good source of living from it. Therefore, Nigerian youths should take advantage of opportunities to learn skills that can help them become financially independent and successful in the future.

Rukevwe Felix a 200 – level student of Journalism and media studies, Delta state university.