Alumni Advocates Compulsory Vocational Studies In Varsities

The Alumni Association (AA) of Abia State University (ABSU), Akwa Ibom State branch, has expressed concern over high level unemployment rate, especially amongst graduates, and advocated for the federal government to make entrepreneurial studies compulsory in tertiary institutions.

The chairman, Abia State University Alumni Association, Akwa Ibom State branch, Elder Effiong Etukudoh, handed down this advocacy during a special convocation ceremony of the institution in Uyo, the state capital.

He underscored the importance of making vocational education compulsory in the tertiary institutions’ curricular, noting that it would go a long way towards entrenching the value of self-independence in young graduates before instead of searching endlessly for white collar jobs.

According to him, the initiative has tremendous potentials to reduce unemployment rates and mitigate societal vices, while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance among youths.

Etukudoh lauded one of the awardees, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan, special adviser to Governor Umo Eno, on Labour Relations, for generously offering to host the special convocation, describing his commitment and hospitality as worthy of emulation.

He, therefore, appealed to all graduates of ABSU based in Akwa Ibom, to “actively identify with the alumni association for a common goal of fostering growth and opportunity.”

According to him, prominent public figures from the state including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, holds a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) from the ABSU; his wife, Ekaette Unoama; the deputy chief of staff to the senate president, Anietie Ukpe and the senior special assistant (SSA) to the senate president, Rt. Hon. Uduot Jack, and many others in different sectors of the nation’s economy have a tie to the varsity.