Unemployment: FUTA Alumni Calls For Inclusion Of Entrepreneurship In Tertiary Institution Curriculum

By Joshua Oladipo

The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Alumni Association, Osun Chapter, has called for the inclusion of entrepreneurship skills in tertiary curriculum, to tackle unemployment.

The Pioneer Chairman, Mr Akintunde Fatoki, disclosed this on Monday, during the Alumni Business Development Submit, held in Osogbo.

He said that alumni bodies across universities needed to be sensitised and empowered to embrace small and medium businesses.

He said that the step would address the issue of unemployment among Nigerian graduates.

The State Coordinator, SMEDAN, Dr Adebola Samuel, told NAN that entrepreneurial skills when entrenched in the curriculum, would help bridge the gap between the education system and the economy system.

He said that the societal expectations of every graduate from the Nigerian universities was high, and when exposed to SMEs skills before graduation, they would not be kept idle.

“There is the need to overhaul the tertiary curriculum in order meet the type of economic system we are practicing.

“Expectations of every graduate is high but when they are exposed to the skills right from the universities, it would help checkmating the issue of unemployment,” Fatoki said.

Mr Emmanuel Ojowuro, the State Manager, Bank of Industry (BOI) Osogbo, stressed the need for self-sufficiency in a diversified economy.

He added that BOI had been playing key role in empowering graduates from their NYSC camps.

Ojowuro said that BOI often collaborated with anyone interested in doing business at interest rate of zero per cent.

He said that this included financial support and empowerment to any graduate interested in setting up SMEs.

He said that the BOI had business development experts who monitored any projects being embarked upon by anyone offered financial supports.

He called for continuous efforts at ensuring that both undergraduates and graduates are informed and enlightened on the benefits of venturing into small and medium businesses. (NAN)