‎NANS To Students: Don’t Rely On Certificates Alone, Acquire Skills

‎The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged students to look beyond academic certificates and acquire practical skills that can make them self-reliant.

‎The NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Ondo Axis, gave the advice at an entrepreneurship summit held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where 200 students from 10 tertiary institutions received start-up equipment.

‎The summit, tagged: “Students To CEO 2.0,” was organised in honour of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, with the theme: “Unlocking Ondo State Students’ Potential for Economic Growth.”

‎Speaking at the event, the President of NANS JCC, Ondo Axis, Adekanye Adeboye, said students should not assume that academic qualifications alone would guarantee success after graduation.

‎Adeboye said the initiative was aimed at enlightening students on the need to develop their talents and entrepreneurial abilities alongside their academic pursuits.

‎He said, “The motive behind this symposium is to enlighten our students and encourage them to see beyond academics by empowering themselves.

‎“We have noticed that many students believe their certificates alone can guarantee success, but that is an illusion.

‎“Success does not revolve solely around academic excellence. Students also need to explore and develop their skills and talents. As student leaders, we have a responsibility to inspire and empower them beyond the classroom.”

‎Also speaking, the NANS National President, Babatunde Akinteye, said the “Students to CEO 2.0” programme was sponsored by Tunji-Ojo to empower students across the state.

‎Akinteye said the programme built on the first edition held last year, noting that some beneficiaries of the previous edition had established businesses in their respective areas.

‎He called on governments at all levels to introduce direct empowerment programmes for students, particularly those involved in agriculture and small-scale businesses.

‎According to him, such interventions would help young Nigerians develop their economic potential and become self-reliant.

‎The Chairman of the Programme Committee, Lemuel Akinyele, said 200 students were selected from 10 tertiary institutions, with each institution producing 20 beneficiaries.

‎He said the beneficiaries received equipment for various ventures, including fashion designing, hairdressing, technology and other businesses, adding that the intervention would help reduce the financial burden on students.

‎Akinyele, however, warned the beneficiaries against selling the equipment, stressing that the items were strictly “Not for Sale.”

He added that the programme could be expanded in subsequent editions.