Abuja:The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, Engr. Emem Coffie, has advised Nigerian youths to prioritize education and skills development over the pursuit of quick success.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Coffie, in a statement shared with newsmen in Abuja, emphasized the importance of education for career growth and national progress. He warned against the perception that education is a waste of time, highlighting its role in providing the foundation for specialization and professional competence.
Coffie revealed his commitment to education by sponsoring numerous students across Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Abuja. He stressed that education has been pivotal in the advancement of developed nations and should not be overlooked, even though some have found success without formal education.
With his 35 years of professional experience, Coffie underscored the importance of academic training, especially in technical fields where theoretical knowledge is crucial. He pointed out that fields like robotics require a solid understanding of basic sciences and engineering disciplines.
He advocated for an education system that enables young people to complete their studies early, helping them identify their talents and specialize in their careers without delay. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that university education is not the sole path to success and urged the government to support vocational training and entrepreneurship.
Coffie also called for increased investment in industrialization in Akwa Ibom, recommending training programs aligned with local industry needs, such as oil, gas, and steel sectors. He suggested apprenticeship schemes with financial support to encourage youth participation.
Additionally, Coffie proposed support for small and medium enterprises, including offering affordable loans to businesses. He suggested establishing cottage industries to create jobs and utilize local resources, such as palm oil processing and briquette production.
He highlighted the need to adhere to Akwa Ibom’s original development master plan, urging for continuity in projects initiated by previous administrations. Coffie argued that while infrastructure like roads is essential, it should be complemented by industries and businesses to alleviate poverty.
Coffie’s development agenda, titled ‘A New Drive Back to the Genesis,’ aims to focus on human capital development, industrialization, skills acquisition, and small business support, stating that infrastructure alone is insufficient to address economic challenges.