Jamb's Advice: This is why you should  take your skills seriously as a Nigerian Student

The importance of having a skill, no matter how little cannot be overemphasized. Apart from an academic certificate, gaining valuable skills and putting them to use is very important. 

A few days ago, at the convocation lecture of the Kwara State University, Malete, the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, advised Nigerian youths to pursue practical skills as a way to sustain themselves. He revealed that soon, possessing only university degrees might not be sufficient to secure jobs in the market.

While the registrar presented a lecture titled "Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning – Prerequisite for the Digital Age," he emphasized that upcoming prospects in the high-tech industry will demand various skills not traditionally taught in regular educational institutions. He stressed that while degrees won't remain the primary assurance for employment, the showcase of practical skills will be essential.

Read: How to get through learning a new skill in 2024

"In this regard, there won’t be a meaningful difference between the literates and the illiterates without the cutting-edge skills that are associated with the triad – learning, unlearning, and relearning.” He said. 

Again, he said, “Those who can learn, unlearn, and relearn are the successful ones, and those without the mindset that accommodates the triad are bound to perpetually lament.”

Oloyede went ahead to explain that the evolving nature of technology, shaping the information age, is a major factor driving this change.

Read also: How to make the most of your DIY skills

This only explains how much even education professionals think that having a skill tops it all. Whether you are a fresher in a university or years in, owning a skill puts you at the forefront of opportunities and helps you be financially stable.