In line with the federal government initiative for all undergraduates in the tertiary institution to undergo entrepreneurship studies, the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, centre for entrepreneurship education has turned out students who completed the 2020/2021 training from the centre. It was also an occasion for practical product exhibition of the skills acquired by the students.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the centre, Dr. Mrs. Bridget C. Obi in her welcome address stated that there is an urgent need globally to reduce the rate of unemployment hence the emphasis on skills acquisition, adding that it is quite alarming that the tertiary institution graduates students every year without a commensurate effort to employ them by the government.
She noted that the students need to be equipped to be self reliant and become job employers instead of job seekers.
She observed that entrepreneurship is one of the strategies mapped out by the federal government to fulfill its 7 point agenda.
She however urged the students to be diligent and utilize the skills they have learnt at the centre to sustain themselves even after graduating from the university.
The Provost, Dr. Dan Anyanwu represented by the deputy provost, Dr. Mrs. Stella Lemchi applauded the effort of the management of the centre for their effort in equipping the students and for maintaining the standard of the predecessor.b She therefore encouraged the students that passed through the institution to be equipped with skills and be self reliant.
She urged them to make good use of the opportunity to improve on themselves and also keep themselves busy with something meaningful instead of engaging in get-wealth-quick syndrome, crimes and drugs.
The head of department of Entrepreneurship Education, Dr. John Ukagwu said the programme is compulsory for every students of the institution as they are not eligible to graduate without passing through the centre.
He stated also that the centre also markets their products to the entire campus and also to outsiders.
He urged the university community to patronize the centre and also register to be trained to acquire skills.
One of the participants from business Education department, Miss. Solomon Ruth who acquired Millinery skills thanked the school for such opportunity given to them to learn new skills, stating that with the skills, she can comfortably produce hair fascinators, turban and others by herself which will sustain her even after graduation.
Mary Akajha who was trained in Agriculture and food processing, said with the skill she has acquired, she intends to go into farming as she already has a farm land for that purpose.
The centre trained students on Fashion designing, cosmetology, makeup, cake making, bead making, amongst others.
The students were also issued with a certificate for the best graduating students in each unit and to others for completing the programme.
