Secretary General of Ogun State Muslim Council, Asiwaju Kamal'deen Akintunde has expressed strong support for the Federal Government on its seven-year moratorium placed on the establishment of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, saying such step will provide the much-needed opportunity for government to review, reassess, and refocus the relevance of the existing institutions to the nation's pressing needs.
Federal Executive Council had on August 14, 2025 approved the seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions across the country, as part of strategic moves to address duplication and improve the quality of existing ones.
Asiwaju Akintunde who was reacting to the government's policy in the education sector while speaking as patron of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation on Sunday in Abeokuta during the presentation of certificates to 48 graduands of the second edition of Capacity Building Training organized by the Ogun State zone of the foundation, says the rationale behind the proliferation of universities has been more political than a genuine quest for knowledge.
"Furthermore, our existing institutions are facing serious economic challenges, and they are turning out millions of graduates with no hope of securing jobs. This moratorium provides a much-needed opportunity to review, reassess, and refocus the relevance of our education to our nation's pressing needs", he stated
He urged the prospective promoters of new universities and other tertiary institutions to show more understanding with the government on the new policy and focus more on creation of more jobs for millions of graduates being produced by the existing institutions in the country
"Our most urgent problem today is no longer a shortage of university education but providing jobs for the millions of graduates who are roaming the streets in search of employment"
"Therefore, we implore aspiring proprietors of universities to redirect their resources toward industrialization, agribusiness, and other economic ventures that can stem the tide of youth unemployment in our country", Akintunde charged
The prevailing global economic climate according to him, has necessitated a paradigm shift from conventional academic studies toward vocational and technology-driven disciplines.
"This is a reality that also explains the introduction of entrepreneurial studies into our school curriculum. Such initiatives are crucial for addressing youth restiveness and unemployment. The onus, therefore, lies on our young people to actively avail themselves of the various vocational and empowerment training programs offered by the government and other organizations to realize their full potential and secure their economic well-being", he stressed
The Ogun State Muslim Council's Scribe who lauded the efforts of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation in collaboration with Princess Asanat Bello Consulting and Arkan Concepts for ensuring the success of the recently concluded second vocational skills acquisition programme, urged the beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to better their livelihoods and that of the respective communities
"This opportunity has provided you with a solid foundation to become self-sufficient, thereby contributing to your personal economic survival and the broader growth and development of our society", he urged the graduands
No comments:
Post a Comment