Gov. Nwifuru urges vocational, skills-based education to boost job opportunities

By Jeff Agbodo

ABAKALIKI — Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to revise the school curriculum to include vocational and skill-based education, saying this is key to creating employment opportunities for graduates.

Speaking at the flag-off of educational material distribution to 240 schools across the state, Governor Nwifuru highlighted that many graduates leave universities with certificates but without skills that align with job market demands.

“The issue is not with the graduates; it is with the system. Students study courses offered to them without knowing that some disciplines have limited job prospects,” he said.

The governor said integrating vocational training into the curriculum from the early stages of education would help equip students with practical skills. “When I was in primary school, homework often involved practical tasks like producing brooms or baskets. Today, students pay money instead of learning these skills. Vocational education should teach what you can produce and how to apply your knowledge,” he added.

Nwifuru said a focus on skill development would not only enhance employability but also foster innovation among students. “Vocational learning is not just about reading and writing. It is about producing something meaningful and preparing students to contribute to society immediately after graduation,” he said.

On teacher welfare, the governor provided an update on the implementation of the new salary structure. He noted that while salaries have been increased from N70,000 to N90,000, some delays in payments were due to ongoing disbursement of gratuities and pensions. “With these payments, some local government councils now have up to N150 million to N200 million available monthly. The system is being strengthened to ensure that teachers receive their due salaries promptly,” he said.

Governor Nwifuru reiterated that reforms in basic education, combined with improved teacher welfare, were central to building a sustainable workforce and modernizing the state’s education sector.

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