Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has identified technical and vocational education as solution to unemployment.
The governor explained that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, had invested heavily to turn around the Government Technical College, Ado-Ekiti, now equipped with world class facilities.
Speaking through the deputy governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, at the Innovation Lecture organised by the Board for Technical and Vocational Education at the College, on Tuesday, Governor Fayemi urged the youths to show interest in skills acquisition to empower them and be self-reliant.
According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the deputy governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the school now boasts of state-of-the-art auto mechanics workshop, garment and fashion workshop, vehicle building workshop, welding and metal fabrication workshop, carpentry and joinery workshop, among others.
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Governor Fayemi disclosed that his administration, within six months in office, paid for three examinations required of final year students of Technical Colleges in Ekiti State.
The governor explained that countries like Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, United States of America and the United Kingdom leveraged on technical education which aided their advancement in technology.
Chairman of the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Kayode Babade, hailed Governor Fayemi for the great work of transformation of the college which he said was a step towards launching Ekiti State on the path of technological advancement.
Babade pledged that no efforts would be spared by the government to develop the four remaining technical colleges to the standard of that of Ado-Ekiti.
The board chairman urged traditional rulers, parents and guardians to assist in mobilising the unemployed youths to imbibe skills acquisition by attending the rejuvenated technical schools in the state.
The Executive Secretary, Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Folu Ayeleso, said investment in technical education would aid the Ekiti knowledge economy being promoted by the Governor Fayemi administration.
She said the deficit of information and awareness about technical and vocational education has contributed to the wide gap between skilled graduates and employment graduates.
Two resource persons, Prof. Sam Adejuyigbe and a building technologist, Mr. Gbenga Ayeleso, addressed the students on the importance of technical and vocational education.
