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Addressing the concern of brain drain, Rev Fr Prof Christian Anieke, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, has stressed the significance of job creation and offering generous employment opportunities to the citizens.
Anike shared this insight during the graduation ceremony of a vocational students’ project held at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, by the Centre of Practical Skills.
The project, carried out by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, in Enugu, Nigeria, graduated the pioneer set of Nigerian youths who have concluded vocational training.
The Vice-Chancellor said the University committed to the collaboration has found that job creation and employment opportunities in Africa were the keys ‘to stem the tide of migration, which is called ‘Japa in Nigeria’, the tendency to move away.’
While commending the ICMPD, he said the idea of the Centre ‘is to provide workers for companies, so the companies will not have any problem trying to source its workers.’
‘I confirm, not from hearsay, that these young men are ready to supply the needed skills, the needed manpower in Nigeria. I do hope that there will be no need for these young men to leave outside Nigeria to explore greener pastures.’
‘I do hope that with this young man and women will be so well paid that they will not need to travel outside Nigeria. We know the effect of brain drain, whether it is on the side of medical doctors, on the side of other professionals; in this country, brain drain is a huge damage to the economy of any nation.’
The VC, while speaking to the graduands, encouraged them to approach challenges with a positive mindset, highlighting that every nation in the world grapples with its unique challenges and issues.
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‘Challenges, including insecurity, should not deter you. Whether it is in the United States, I can tell you that at least everyday, 20 persons are killed in the United States of America. I can tell you that there is no country in this world where you do not have challenges of insecurity, your country is not worse than these other places.’
‘So, I acknowledge the challenges you are faced with, insecurity and of course other challenges, but I am convinced that these challenges have prepared you. As I look at you, I see those who will drive the economy of this country, I see millionaires, not by stealing money but by providing knowledge that will change our country,’ he declared.
‘This significant milestone in your life is a testament to your commitment to your personal growth and testament to the countless hours you have invested in your skill and in expanding your knowledge,’ he noted.
‘This significant milestone in your life is a testament to your commitment to your personal growth and testament to the countless hours you have invested in your skill and in expanding your knowledge,’ he noted.
In his remarks, Ositadimma Emmanuel, the best-graduating student, expressed his appreciation to the Centre for offering them the chance to gain practical skills and experiences in their respective fields. He acknowledged the Center’s significant role in shaping their lives. He said: ‘They have enriched us to become who we are today. We will make this centre very proud.’
Addressing the audience, Mr. Niranjan Gupta, the Principal of the Center of Practical Skills (CoPS), praised the graduates, stating that they were the outcome of unwavering perseverance, dedication, and hard work.
