Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has charged the Management of the Renaissance University, Enugu, to strive to produce graduates who would become employers of labour rather than job seekers, as the days of white collar jobs are almost over. He gave the charge while speaking at the university’s matriculation ceremony in Enugu.
According to the minister, the days of expecting government to provide employment to the numerous graduates churned out by the nation’s universities are gone. He said that for the institutions to remain relevant to the aspirations of Nigeria, they must devise courses that would make their products able to stand on their own anywhere in the world.
Chidoka reiterated the desire of the Goodluck Jonathan administration to bequeath a bright future for Nigerian youth by creating an enabling environment for industrial development to thrive.
Addressing the matriculating students, the minister charged them to take advantage of President Jonathan’s focus on youth development which is designed to create opportunities for the young Nigerians to express themselves to the optimum.
The establishment of 14 new federal universities by the government, according to Chidoka, testifies to the President’s commitment to youth development and provision of educational opportunities.
He however said for them to realise their potentials, they have to be absolutely committed to their own cause of acquiring the necessary qualifications and skills to make them relevant in the society.
He also advised them to abhor all negative traits capable of keeping them in school longer than necessary and truncating their aspirations in life, as any additional time spent in school tells on their future.
Chidoka also charged them to be good ambassadors of Renaissance University and called on them to always support the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration, as they remain the greatest beneficiaries as young Nigerians.
•Photo shows Chidoka.
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