It was a memorable Tuesday for the 110 students who graduated from the Royal Spices Academy, a school of catering and hospitality management.
During the graduation ceremony held in Ibadan, youths were advised to take up technical and vocational training in order to tackle unemployment among them.
The Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, who was the guest speaker at the event, gave the admonition.
Akande, represented by Dr. Idowu Johnson, said government alone cannot do it all, hence, the need for youths to be innovative and plan their own future.
The NCC chairman, also said the people doing well for themselves now and are billionaires all over the world are entrepreneurs who felt they need to develop some kind of innovations to transform the society.
He said: “Students who graduated from Royal Spices Academy are not going to depend on government jobs and they are going to have access to their own personal development. They are going to develop the society and country.
“In practising what they have learnt, they are also bringing new ideas, particularly in tourism and hotel management, which is evolving every day.
“They are going to project the image of Nigeria and impress the youths who doesn’t know what they are going to do about their career. Majority of the youths that are jobless, once they see those that have undergone vocational training doing well, and that they are being supported, they will come and develop themselves too.”
He appealed to government at all levels, private organisations and individuals to support institutions like Royal Spices Academy with funds, scholarships among others.
Speaking, the Director, Technical and Vocational Education, Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED), Mrs Mojirade Adesina, who represented the Executive Secretary of BOTAVED, Mrs E.C. Esan-Williams, said technical and vocational training programme when well- structured reduces poverty in any developing nation, as it remains the fulcrum of rapid social economic development.
“In recognition of this fact, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has continually given full support tomorrow agency on promotion of skill acquisition to ensure that youths are gainfully employed and become self reliever. In realisation of this dream, the state has also encourage the particular of private proprietors with respect to establishment of vocational institution of which Royal Spices Acdrmy is a beneficial having been recognized by the board as an approved institution,” she said.
In her address, the Rector of the school, Dr. Olufunmi Adegbile, said youths need vocational skills, irrespective of whatever they studied at the tertiary level of education.
She also said what Nigeria needs now is vocational skills to advance the economy, noting that youths also need vocational skills as a means of extra streams of income.
Adegbile further said the purpose of setting up the school has been fulfilled to some extent.
“Setting up the school is to impart what we have learnt and done in the field in the last 30 years in some upcoming young ones,” she said.
The Rector, who stressed that the progress of graduates of the school has been very encouraging, said there is nobody that has passed through Royal Spices Academy who is not employed.
“Our employment rate is 98- 100%. There is job opportunity in this field. Hotels, restaurants, even individuals call us on a weekly basis for chefs,” she added.
Adegbile appealed to both the federal and state government to assist the school, saying:” COVID-19 started last year , we are yet to see the hand of government in what we are doing. It is not easy to train these people; catering is very expensive to run.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of award of excellence to the first female Director in the history of National Orientation Agency, Oyo State Directorate, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu.
Awards were presented to best overall students, most innovative students and best-behaved students. Certificates were also given to the 110 graduands.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Royal Spices Academy, Mr Tunde Laniyan; former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Barr. Yomi Oke; Dr Iyabo Bassir, Dr Demola Adegbile and Mrs Sola Adeboye.
Credit: newspeakonline.com
