Lagos: A non-governmental organisation, Springforth Foundation, is advocating for the integration of skill acquisition into the secondary school curriculum as a strategic measure to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Founder of Springforth Foundation, Mrs. Blessing Agborume, emphasized the importance of equipping students with practical skills alongside academic knowledge to better prepare them for employment. Agborume articulated her vision during an interview, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to a holistic approach to education by integrating skills such as fashion designing, barbing, digital skills like coding, as well as farming and fishing.
Agborume believes that equipping students with these vocational skills will not only enhance their employability but also open doors to self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. She stressed that to effectively implement this integration, there would be a need for qualified instructors and adequate facilities, suggesting collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
“By working together, we believe it is possible to create a robust and more effective education system that meets the needs of both students and employers,” Agborume stated. She sees this advocacy as a step toward rethinking the traditional education model and preparing young people for future challenges. By equipping students with essential skills, she argues, Nigeria can reduce unemployment, alleviate pressure on the labor market, and foster a more dynamic and resilient economy.
Since its inception in June 2022, Springforth Foundation has sponsored 27 children into various levels of schooling, demonstrating its commitment to societal development. The foundation has also engaged individuals in learning vocations like barbing, generator repair, and fashion designing and has mentored a songwriter and gospel singer. Additionally, they sponsor LEKKI sport television to promote youth engagement in sports, aiming to deter them from crime, drug abuse, and other vices.