The Path Forward for Edo State: Empowering Youth and the People Through Vocational Education for Sustainable Growth, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

Dear Governor Monday Okpebholo,

Congratulations on your appointment as the new Governor of Edo State. As you take the helm of leadership, I offer my deepest encouragement for the transformative journey ahead. The state of Edo faces several key challenges that require immediate attention, but with your strategic vision, we can chart a new course for the future—one that focuses on harnessing the potential of our youth through vocational, trade, and technical education. It is time for Edo State to embrace a new approach to education, one that focuses on practical skills and directly meets the needs of our rapidly changing workforce.

For too long, the focus in many parts of Nigeria, including Edo State, has been on promoting universities and traditional academic institutions as the primary path to success. While universities will always have a role in providing academic knowledge and fostering research, the landscape of global economies is shifting. Developed societies have long understood that vocational education and specialized skill sets are what truly build and sustain a thriving middle class. In these societies, vocational schools and training programs provide a crucial bridge between education and employment, ensuring that individuals are equipped with practical, in-demand skills that lead to gainful employment. The days of simply encouraging more universities as the key to prosperity are over—this must evolve into a more diversified approach where technical and vocational skills are placed on equal footing with academic degrees.

In Edo State, the demand for skilled labor has never been greater. Industries across the state—such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, carpentry, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning/refrigeration and technology—are growing and evolving, but they are struggling to find qualified individuals with the right technical expertise. Vocational education offers the solution to this growing gap. By providing young people with the practical training they need, we can equip them to enter the workforce immediately and fill the roles that are essential for the state’s economic development. This is an opportunity to empower Edo’s youth with the skills they need to create their own career paths, improve their quality of life, and contribute to the growth of the state’s economy.

The focus should not just be on expanding the traditional polytechnic or university model but on creating a broader ecosystem of educational opportunities. The collaboration of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, and other relevant government bodies can lay the foundation for this transformation. By fostering public-private partnerships, we can establish vocational schools that directly respond to the needs of our local industries. These schools should offer flexible, hands-on training programs that provide students with industry-recognized credentials. With the involvement of private sector stakeholders, the curriculum can be tailored to meet the specific demands of the local and international job markets, preparing students to enter high-demand fields such as technology, engineering, logistics, and healthcare.

Moreover, it is essential that these vocational schools are not confined to urban centers. Rural areas in Edo State, which often face greater barriers to educational access, must be included in this vision. By extending vocational education opportunities to rural areas, the government can help stem the tide of youth migration to urban centers, where competition for jobs is fierce and often limited. Instead, young people can be trained to take on leadership roles within their own communities, contributing to local development and preventing the overpopulation of cities. Rural vocational schools can also support key local industries like agriculture, giving young people the skills they need to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in these sectors.

The need for this shift in educational focus also comes in light of the serious challenges Edo State faces regarding income inequality and youth unemployment. The rising cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, and the growing disparities between urban and rural areas have all created an environment where the youth, especially in rural communities, are left with few opportunities. The focus on vocational training is essential to breaking this cycle of poverty and unemployment. By providing youth with a clear, attainable path to employment, vocational schools will equip them with the practical skills that will allow them to support themselves, their families, and their communities. In this way, vocational education is a critical tool in reducing the socioeconomic gaps that persist in Edo State and across Nigeria.

A strong emphasis on vocational education will significantly contribute to crime reduction in Edo State. Like many other regions, young people in the state often face limited employment prospects, leading them to seek alternative paths, sometimes in illegal or underground employment. This lack of opportunity fosters a cycle of poverty and criminal behavior. By offering vocational education that directly prepares youth for legitimate, well-paying jobs, vocational schools can provide a pathway out of this cycle, fostering a sense of purpose, responsibility, and community. Additionally, there is a need to start secondary schools that offer technical-based courses, providing young people with practical skills that directly translate into employment opportunities. These courses should be designed with the specific needs and strengths of Edo’s environment in mind, focusing on areas such as cosmetology, sewing, computer technology, automotive repair, and other fields aligned with the state’s economic landscape. With Edo’s agricultural heritage and growing urban sectors, courses in agriculture technology, construction skills, and green energy would also be beneficial, reflecting both the local economy and global job trends.

Introducing these programs at the secondary school level will give students the opportunity to acquire skills that are relevant to both the local and global labor markets before they graduate, setting them on a path to employment or entrepreneurship. In particular, sectors like automotive repair and cosmetology are not only relevant to urban areas but can also thrive in rural communities where youth often seek alternatives to migration. By equipping students with the tools and knowledge to enter these industries, we can ensure that they contribute to their local economies while gaining financial independence.

It’s crucial to provide student health insurance plans that can be beneficial for them during their training and start-ups.

Moreover, initiatives that provide vocational training and career development opportunities for at-risk youth can be replicated in Edo State. Drawing inspiration from successful models, these programs would not only teach valuable technical skills but also provide mentorship and soft skills training, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. These elements are essential for building emotional resilience and social tools necessary to succeed in the workplace. They offer a second chance to young people, many of whom are on the verge of making poor life choices due to a lack of options, by providing them with the skills they need to build stable, productive lives.

Given Edo State’s rich cultural and economic diversity, the focus should be on tailoring vocational education to local needs, ensuring that young people are equipped to take on roles that contribute directly to their communities. Whether through creating small-scale businesses or working in established industries, vocational education will not only address issues like unemployment and crime but will also help foster a self-sustaining cycle of economic growth that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. By investing in the vocational future of Edo’s youth, we can help transform the state into a thriving hub of skilled, enterprising individuals who will lead the next generation toward lasting success and prosperity.

These programs also emphasize entrepreneurship, which is essential for long-term economic growth. Vocational training in Edo State should not only focus on preparing individuals for traditional jobs but should also foster a spirit of entrepreneurship. By providing young people with the knowledge and skills to start their own businesses, you can create a more self-sustaining economy that doesn’t rely solely on external industries. To further support this, the government can offer grants, loans, and startup capital to young entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into viable businesses that contribute to local job creation and economic development.

As you continue your efforts to build a more prosperous future for Edo State, I want to highlight an urgent issue that directly affects the future of our educational system—specifically, the integration of technology and vocational training. The lack of reliable electricity and water infrastructure is severely limiting the effectiveness of our educational institutions, particularly those focused on vocational education.

Vocational education plays a vital role in equipping our youth with the skills they need to thrive in the global workforce, but without the essential services of stable electricity and clean water, this vision cannot fully be realized. As you know, Nigeria faces persistent challenges with power supply, resulting in frequent outages that disrupt both classroom learning and the practical, hands-on training required in vocational education. This disrupts students’ ability to access digital tools, online learning platforms, and other essential educational technology that are critical in today’s digital age.

For vocational education to thrive and produce skilled workers capable of competing on the global stage, reliable power is crucial. Without stable electricity, the practical training students need to develop the skills necessary for high-demand jobs is compromised. We cannot afford to let power shortages hinder the potential of our students or the growth of the state’s workforce.

I would like to specifically highlight the impact that vocational education programs can have on both young girls and boys in Edo State. As we know, many young people in our communities face challenges such as limited opportunities, early pregnancies, and the risk of falling into cycles of poverty and dependency. By providing vocational training programs, we can offer these young people practical skills that will not only reduce idle time but also empower them to take control of their futures.

For young girls, vocational education can offer pathways to economic independence by equipping them with skills in sectors such as cosmetology, tailoring, food production, and technology. These programs can also provide alternatives to early marriage and teenage pregnancy, which often arise when girls are left without meaningful opportunities or support. By offering training that directly leads to employment or entrepreneurship, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with idle time and vulnerability to social pressures.

Similarly, for young boys, vocational programs offer a constructive outlet for energy and ambition, helping to keep them engaged and focused. With the right skills in areas like carpentry, electrical work, automotive repair, and agriculture, young men can gain practical, high-demand expertise that leads to stable employment or entrepreneurial ventures. By providing these opportunities, we can help reduce youth involvement in crime and other negative behaviors, while also addressing the skills gap in various sectors.

Moreover, these programs for both boys and girls can foster self-esteem, confidence, and independence, ensuring they have the tools to make informed decisions about their lives. In turn, this contributes to healthier families and communities, as young men and women are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society. Investing in vocational education for our youth will create lasting change, reducing teenage pregnancy rates, preventing youth unemployment, and breaking the cycle of poverty while helping to build a more prosperous and equal Edo State.

In light of these challenges, I urge your administration to explore sustainable energy solutions such as solar and wind power. These renewable energy sources can provide consistent, eco-friendly electricity for our vocational schools and universities, bridging the gap created by the unreliable national grid. Investing in alternative energy infrastructure not only supports the continuity of vocational education but also positions Edo State as a leader in sustainable development.

In addition to power, the provision of clean and reliable water is equally important for creating a safe and conducive learning environment. This is particularly relevant for vocational schools where students are engaged in hands-on training that requires safe and functional facilities. Ensuring access to water will improve overall health standards and support the smooth operation of schools, especially those in rural areas.

Governor, addressing these infrastructure gaps is critical to ensuring that our students are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in an ever-evolving, technology-driven world. Your leadership in securing reliable power and water for educational institutions will not only ensure a more sustainable and resilient educational system but will also stimulate innovation, economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

To ensure the success of this vision, I recommend that your administration implement a comprehensive, state-wide vocational education strategy. This would involve expanding the availability of vocational training programs, establishing strong partnerships with local industries, and creating incentives for businesses that hire graduates from these programs. Additionally, fostering collaboration between government ministries, local businesses, and educational institutions will ensure that our vocational programs remain relevant and responsive to the demands of the labor market.

I urge you to prioritize initiatives that guarantee stable power and water supply for all educational institutions, particularly those focused on vocational training. With these infrastructure improvements in place, Edo State will not only empower its youth but also strengthen its position as a competitive and innovative hub for education and economic development in Edo state

In conclusion, Governor, the future of Edo State and its people lies in how we invest in the next generation. Our youth hold the key to unlocking the state’s true potential, and the way we equip them today will shape the prosperity of tomorrow. By shifting our focus to vocational, trade, and technical education, we can empower young people with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-evolving economy. In Edo’s context, this approach will reduce unemployment, provide alternatives to crime, and create a more dynamic, diverse workforce. It is essential that we move beyond an over-reliance on traditional universities as the only route to success, embracing a more inclusive and holistic educational system that caters to all, from the urban centers to the rural villages.

Governor, as you step into leadership, I urge you to remain open to new ideas and solutions. Do not allow political sentiment, divisions, or pressure from any quarters to slow your progress. Lead with boldness, confidence, and independence. While listening to others is important, remember that the decisions you make must be in the best interest of the people of Edo State. Resist being swayed by any one person or group and stay committed to the vision you set for the state. True leadership means having the courage to move forward, even when faced with opposition, and trusting in the future you are working to create for the people of Edo.

It’s crucial to maintain your health, monitor your diet, and pay close attention to your food and beverages when interacting with visitors, colleagues, and other individuals during your tenure as Edo State Governor.

Edo State’s future is in your hands, and with bold leadership and a commitment to investing in our youth, you can lay the foundation for a prosperous, self-sufficient, and vibrant state. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.

From time to time, this writer will be writing to you, Governor, on different development issues. God bless you and Edo State. Obulu (Thank you).

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.