Students at the University of Abuja have advocated acquiring practical skills alongside academic qualifications, saying the combination could improve young Nigerians’ employability and promote self-reliance.

The students said academic qualifications remain vital but should be complemented by practical skills to help graduates adapt to the changing demands of the labour market.

They identified technology, artificial intelligence, graphics, communication, phone repairs, data analysis, content creation and other vocational skills as areas that could provide young people with additional livelihood opportunities.

Ayodele Tobi, a 200-level civil engineering student, said acquiring practical skills alongside academic qualifications could give young people an added advantage in a competitive labour market.

“It’s a good idea to acquire skills alongside academic certificates. Skills like technology, graphics and communication can help young people earn money,” he said.

Mr Tobi noted that skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, sports, technology and vocational training could equip young people with practical knowledge to start businesses or become self-employed. He, however, identified a lack of funds and awareness as factors preventing young people from benefiting from skills acquisition programmes.

Mr Tobi said he would prefer to build his own business rather than depend solely on a white-collar job, urging the government and educational institutions to provide more training, funding and other forms of support for young people.

Eze Chiamaka, a 300-level economics student, said certificates alone are no longer enough to guarantee employment, given the growing competition in the labour market. According to her, if 50 per cent to 70 per cent of graduates and other young Nigerians acquired practical skills, more people could become self-employed and help reduce unemployment.

Ms Chiamaka identified illiteracy, lack of knowledge, and inadequate enlightenment as factors discouraging young people from participating in skills acquisition programmes. She said she would prefer to be self-employed because of the independence associated with owning a business.

Ms Chiamaka called on the government to create more awareness and enlightenment programmes to educate young Nigerians on the importance of acquiring practical skills.

Victor Okoye, a 200-level agricultural engineering student, said changing economic realities had made practical skills increasingly relevant to young people seeking employment, adding, “Unlike before, things have changed now. It’s either you have connections or skills, not certificates.”

Mr Okoye recalled developing an interest in phone technology while in JSS1, after which his parents supported him to undergo training, stating, “Now I’m a certified phone technician. After secondary school, while waiting for admission, I used that time to put my skill to work, and I was making some funds.”

Janet Airen, a 300-level development and strategic communication student, also said a university degree could be complemented with practical skills to improve graduates’ livelihood opportunities. According to her, digital and technology-related skills, content creation and graphic design were among the useful skills young Nigerians could acquire.

Unlike some of the other students, Ms Airen said she would prefer a white-collar job because she was not business-minded and considered starting a business stressful. She called on the government to create more employment opportunities by building industries and factories.

Chetchet Sheyin, a 400-level civil engineering student, identified lack of resources, high expectations, fear of failure and unwillingness to persist as factors that could discourage young people from pursuing skills acquisition or entrepreneurship.

Mr Sheyin also listed lack of capital, high operating costs, poor infrastructure, insecurity, and limited access to business support as challenges facing young entrepreneurs. He urged the government to provide affordable loans, improve infrastructure and create a stable environment for businesses to thrive. He also called on well-meaning organisations to provide mentorship, training and funding opportunities for young Nigerians.