By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
REDESIGNING NIGERIA’s academic curriculum has become crucial in addressing graduate unemployment and fostering wealth creation.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has stressed the need for universities to equip students with technical skills that enable them to become job creators rather than depend on salaried employment.
Speaking at the 4th Founder’s Day Celebration of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, he underscored the importance of restructuring education to include practical, technical, and vocational training from the primary level.
The governor, represented by Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising quality and functional education under the MORE agenda.
He stated that education should transcend theoretical knowledge, emphasising character building, creativity, and skill acquisition necessary for success in the global economy.
He called on UNIDEL to ensure its curriculum aligns with this vision to produce graduates equipped with the technical know-how to thrive independently.
Governor Oborevwori commended the previous administration under Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for establishing UNIDEL, acknowledging its impact on thousands of students.
He highlighted that the institution admitted 4,500 new students for the current academic session and has secured accreditation for 71 of its 74 programmes.
He described these milestones as remarkable achievements that contribute to the development of the state and the nation.
He further noted that the state government continues to invest in educational infrastructure, upgrading facilities in tertiary institutions to enhance learning conditions.
He urged the university’s administration to establish endowment funds, enabling it to finance long-term goals and provide scholarships for underprivileged but outstanding students.
The governor also addressed the state of healthcare education, stressing the necessity of practical medical training.
He revealed that his administration is investing in the construction of medical hostels and upgrading community health centres into teaching hospitals to ensure students receive hands-on experience.
He called on medical practitioners and philanthropists to partner with the government to improve healthcare education, noting that land and vision are available, but partnerships are essential to achieving sustainable progress.
Delivering a lecture titled “Nation Building: The Search for a Nigeria That Works for All,” Senator Ifeanyi Okowa praised Governor Oborevwori for sustaining the vision of expanding access to university education in Delta State.
He noted the steady growth of the three state universities in student enrolment and infrastructure development.
In their separate addresses, UNIDEL’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, expressed gratitude to the state government for its unwavering support for educational advancement.
They affirmed their commitment to upholding excellence in academic standards and producing graduates who can make meaningful contributions to society.
