NOUN Tasks Nigerian Youths To Embrace Modern Technology, As Centres Train 185 In ICT 

By Abdullahi Alhassan

The Vice-chancellor National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters says youths must strive to embrace modern technology for growth in the 21st century hence the updating of university curriculum to international standard.

Professor Peters was speaking at  the 28th Graduation Ceremony of 185  students trained at the Centre for Human Resource Development and Empowerment Iniative (CHRDEI), Kaduna in collaboration with NOUN’s Centre for Human Resource Development.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration , Professor Isaac Sammani  Butswat, Prof. Peters was of the opinion  that what one head will do, two heads will do better hence the cherished partnership and collaboration.

He acknowledged the efforts and the gesture of the founder and Initiator of the CHRDEI for providing the teaming youth with the necessary skills to become self employed.

Professor Peters urged the graduands to appreciate and extend their gratitude to God and the founder of the CHRDEI for granting them the previledge of having training and skills over others who might only have certificate qualification.

The VC, stated that if effectively and efficiently utilized what they have learnt into  perspective, the graduates would never regret having lifelong Vocation.

In his remarks,  the Director centre for Human Resources Development and Empowerment initiative, Dr. Muhammad Ali, encouraged the students to reflect on the knowledge, experience, and skills they have acquired.

Dr, Ali urged the graduands to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with confidence and optimism and that the 185 graduating students were well prepared to make a positive impact on the State and the country at large.

He called on the Kaduna state government to partner with the Centre in the areas of skills Technical and vocational training so that together they provide the fountain for Human capital Development which will be a catalyst for social and economic transformation of Kaduna state and Nigeria .

“This has become necessary because the challenge government is facing today is that of providing the youth meaningful and gainful employment, social empowerment and opportunities for personal development.if adopted,it has the potential of being the best non kinetic approach to ending insecurity of any dimension in our country, he said.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani who was represented by the Special Adviser Monitoring and Evaluation, Mrs ,Mary Adeola Olarerin congratulated the students as well as  the two major stakeholders in the event adding that government’s presence at the event served as a perseverance for effective change in the State.

To champion the course of Human Capital Development in the state, the Governor said the state will Collaborate with the centres. Said Sani.

He promised to communicate with the necessary Authority to ensure the request of the founder and Initiator of  CHRDEI is granted as regards the  employment of  one physically challenged and a sickle cell patient graduands.

The chairman of the occasion and Member Kaduna State House of Assembly,  Mahmud Lawal Ismaila used the occasion to roll out the giant strides of the State government in the education sector.

Hon Lawal Ismaila who is the Chairman House Committee on Education, said  Kaduna State has been a trailblazer in implementing a 26% budget allocation to education, setting a commendable precedent. Additionally, the Governor’s initiative to reduce state tertiary institutions by 50% stands as a significant achievement, he emphasized.

“The transformation of more than 100 junior secondary schools into senior secondary schools with enhanced infrastructure, the establishment of 3 skills acquisition centers in the 3 senetorial zones and the construction of an additional 62 secondary schools across the state marks another remarkable milestone.

“The government’s focused efforts on addressing the issue of out-of-school children have resulted in the successful return of over 10,000 students, underscoring their dedication to education.

“The released of N205 million to Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board is another great achievement of the Kaduna State Government under Senator. Dr. Uba Sani.These accomplishments represent just a fraction of the government’s initiatives.

“To the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), we express our sincere gratitude for your unwavering support towards education and community development in the state. We encourage other Institutions in the State to emulate your good gesture and help to the youths and the State in general.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Director Centre for Human Resources Development of the University, Dr Aminu Umar said the institution welcomes willing partners to reach out to NOUN for partnership in Developmental areas.

The graduation ceremony was witnessed by community leaders, the Nigerian Defence Academy and security agencies.