News
Don Advocates Declaration of National Skills Emergency to Tackle Underdevelopment
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A Professor of Political Economy at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Christian Ezeibe, has called on government at all levels to declare a ‘national skills emergency’ as a strategic response to Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment and widespread poverty. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
Prof. Ezeibe who is also Dean, Student Affairs at UNN made the call while delivering the convocation lecture at the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
He stressed that Nigeria’s overemphasis on certificates at the expense of practical competence has weakened the country’s productive capacity and stifled sustainable development.
Speaking on the theme, “Skills Over Certificates: Repositioning Technical Education for Sustainable Development,” Prof. Ezeibe said Nigeria must urgently invest in skills acquisition if it hopes to compete with developed nations.
“Nigeria has perfected the ritual of schooling but has lost the essence of learning. We have become a nation that worships certificates while neglecting the competence those certificates are meant to represent,” he said.
Quoting figures from the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Ezeibe noted that Nigeria spends over $10 billion annually on expatriate services and remittances, much of it paid to foreign technical personnel from India, China and the Philippines.
“In the power sector alone, despite billions of naira invested, we still depend on foreign technicians to maintain our turbines and grid infrastructure. This dependence is a clear indictment of our skills deficit,” he added.
The university don explained that while certificates merely certify knowledge, skills empower individuals to create value.
“A certificate is a licence to learn, but a skill is the capacity to do, to create and to solve problems. The global economy today, driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution—robotics, artificial intelligence, IoT and biotechnology—rewards demonstrable skills, not just attested knowledge,” he said.
Drawing lessons from global success stories, Prof. Ezeibe cited Singapore, Taiwan and China as countries that deliberately prioritised technical and vocational education.
“Under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore made Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) the cornerstone of its economic strategy. The Institute of Technical Education is not for academic failures; it is prestigious and highly sought-after. Today, Singapore tops global skills competitiveness rankings,” he said.
He also noted that Taiwan’s transformation into a global semiconductor hub was driven by a relentless focus on engineering and technical skills aligned with industry needs, while China adopted a large-scale vocational model that produces millions of skilled workers annually.
“These nations understood a simple truth: theory designs the world, but skills build it. They repositioned technical education from a secondary alternative to the primary engine of national development,” Ezeibe stated.
Identifying Nigeria’s major challenges, the don listed decaying infrastructure, poor funding, weak industry–academia collaboration, societal stigma against technical education and brain drain** as factors slowing skills development.
Despite these challenges, he maintained that skills remain the backbone of sustainable development.
“Nigeria’s problems—power failure, poor sanitation, inefficient agriculture, housing deficit and insecurity—are massive markets waiting to be served by skilled and creative minds,” he said.
He urged graduates to see entrepreneurship as a pathway to prosperity.
“The graduate who can design and install affordable solar micro-grids for rural communities is solving the power problem and creating a million-naira business. The one with masonry, plumbing and electrical skills can build a thriving property maintenance company. The billionaire of tomorrow will be a skill magnate, not just an oil importer,” he declared.
Addressing the graduating students directly, Prof. Ezeibe advised:
“Do not go looking for a job where someone else will solve your problems. Use your skills to solve Nigeria’s problems, and you will never be poor.”
He further called on the Federal Government to scrap the HND–BSc dichotomy, insisting that competence, not paper qualification, should determine employability and career progression.
“There must be deliberate industrial collaboration with polytechnics and technical institutions. Without this, skills development will remain a slogan rather than a solution,” he concluded.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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PRP Presidential Primary: YMK Calls For Restrain as Pressure Mounts to Correct Irregularities
A Presidential aspirant, Engr (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsley, also known as YMK Nigeria charges his supporters to restrain from anger and frustration owing to the recently released Peoples Redemption Party, PRP primary election result. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
Yakubu made the call in Abuja in a stateement released and personally signed, saying that official resolution channels and necessary steps are pursued to address the irregularities and grievance.
He said, “My Dear Brothers, Sisters, Supporters, and Members of the YMK NIGERIA PROJECT,
“I wish to specially thank each and every one of you for your unwavering loyalty, sacrifices, prayers, and relentless commitment throughout the just concluded PRP Presidential Primary Elections.
“From the North to the South, East to West, your overwhelming support, courage, and belief in our collective vision for a better Nigeria remain deeply inspiring to me. Together, we built a formidable movement anchored on hope, justice, inclusion, and genuine national transformation.
“However, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge that the outcome declared from the primaries did not reflect the true wishes of our supporters, delegates, and the overwhelming momentum we enjoyed across the country. What transpired was clearly marred by a grand conspiracy and coordinated manipulation against our collective democratic aspirations.
“Nevertheless, I urge all members and supporters of the YMK NIGERIA PROJECT to remain calm, peaceful, law-abiding, and resolute in this difficult moment. We must not allow provocation, disappointment, or frustration to derail the noble cause we have collectively built.
“I want to assure you that we have already initiated appropriate steps through constitutional, party, and legal channels to challenge these irregularities and reclaim our stolen and overwhelming victory. We remain committed to due process, justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
“This struggle is not merely about an election; it is about protecting the integrity of democracy, defending the voice of the people, and securing the future we all believe in for our nation.
“I therefore appeal to all our supporters nationwide to remain united, steadfast, vigilant, and hopeful. Do not lose faith. Do not be discouraged.
“History has consistently shown that truth and justice ultimately prevail over conspiracy and manipulation.
“Further developments and necessary directives shall be communicated to you accordingly through our official communication channels.
May God Almighty continue to bless and strengthen us all.
Yours faithfully,
Engr. Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley Nigeria Presidential Aspirant, People’s Redemption Party (PRP)
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Eid-ul-Kabir: Ajia Advocates Peace, Tolerance Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has extended warm Eid-ul-Kabir greetings to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the people of Kwara State, and the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria, urging political leaders and citizens to embrace peace, unity, and responsible leadership. [adrotate banner="51"]
Ajia, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, said Eid-ul-Kabir remains a sacred season that teaches the values of sacrifice, obedience, tolerance, humility, and unwavering faith in Almighty Allah.
He noted that Nigeria’s present political and economic realities demand selfless leadership and sincere commitment to the welfare of the people, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across the country.
“Eid-ul-Kabir is not only a celebration of faith and sacrifice, it is also a reminder that leadership must be built on justice, compassion, accountability, and service to humanity,” Ajia stated.
The philanthropist and community leader stressed that Kwara State has continued to enjoy relative peace because of the culture of tolerance, harmony, and mutual respect among its people, warning against divisive politics capable of heating up the polity.
“Political ambition should never override the peace and unity of Kwara State. Leaders and supporters across party lines must avoid inflammatory rhetoric, bitterness, and actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere the state is known for,” he added.
Ajia further urged political actors to place the collective interest of the people above personal or sectional considerations, saying the state’s democratic future must be driven by issue-based engagements and peaceful participation.
The Ilorin-born security expert commended the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for his consistent fatherly leadership and commitment to peace, unity, moral guidance, and harmonious coexistence among the people of Kwara State and beyond.
“The Emir of Ilorin has continued to serve as a symbol of peace, moderation, and unity. His fatherly role and wise counsel remain invaluable to the stability and progress of Kwara State,” Ajia said.
Ajia, also called on Nigerians to use the Eid celebration to pray for national healing, economic recovery, improved security, and sustainable development across the country.
“As Muslims commemorate the sacrifice and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Nigerians must embrace love, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and renewed hope for a better future,” the statement added.
He prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the prayers and sacrifices of the Muslim faithful and grants Nigeria enduring peace, stability, and prosperity
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Nigeria Dispatch Riders throw weight behind YMK’s Presidential Ambition
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mails Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON) has thrown it’s weight behind the Engr (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsley (YMK) Nigeria Movement and his Presidential Ambition. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
This is disclosed in Abuja, Monday during a strategic meeting between YMK Nigeria Movement Presidential Campaign Team led by the Director, Mobilization and Contact, Alhaji Suleman Yunusa and NUDRMON Executives members.
Yunusa while highlighting the importance of NUDRMON to the society and the synergy reiterate the commitment of the movement to the welfare of the grassroot people, saying that any responsible government must take dispatch riders serious.
In his introductory remarks, Yunusa said, ‘Dispatch Riders are among the most active and visible working class citizens in Nigeria today.
‘You connect businesses, homes, offices and communities everyday . Any serious leadership must hear your voice to understand your challenges’, he continued.
Yunusa further said that YMK Nigeria Movement is the organisation, while the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP is the party on which Engr (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsly (YMK) Nigeria is running as President.
The National President, NUDRMON, Comrade Emmanuel Kave Kwaghdega while expressing enthusiasm and optimistic in the YMK Nigeria Movement said the Union’s primary responsibility is to see that the welfare of their members is well taken care of, hence ready to partner with individual or organisation that would prioritise the union’s members’ welfare.
HE Engr. (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsly (YMK) Nigeria expressed appreciation while thanking the union for honouring his invitation, while seeking for their support in the forthcoming elections. he reveals that the safety and welfare of dispatch riders is very important to him and would ensures he work together with NODRMON for a better welfare package for its members.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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