The Springforth Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called for the integration of skill acquisition, including fishing and barbing into Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum.
Its founder, Mrs. Blessing Agborume, made the appeal on Sunday in Lagos, saying the move would help tackle the growing challenge of youth unemployment.
Agborume stressed that equipping students with practical skills alongside academic knowledge would better prepare them for the job market.
“Springforth is at the forefront of advocating for a holistic approach to education by integrating skill acquisition into the secondary school curriculum.
We want students to be taught vocational skills such as fashion designing or tailoring, barbing, and digital skills including coding,” she said.
She also recommended the inclusion of farming, fishing, and other practical skills to boost employability and encourage entrepreneurship.
According to her, integrating skills into the curriculum would require trained instructors and adequate facilities, which calls for collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
“By working together, we can create a robust and effective education system that meets the needs of both students and employers.
This advocacy is about rethinking the traditional education model and preparing young people for the future.
By equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the job market, Nigeria can reduce unemployment, ease pressure on the labour market, and build a more dynamic, resilient economy,” Agborume said.
Since its inception in June 2022, the foundation has sponsored 27 children in primary, junior, and senior secondary schools as part of its contribution to societal development.
Agborume added that five individuals are currently undergoing vocational training under the foundation’s support — two in barbing, two in generator repair, and one in fashion designing.
The organisation has also mentored a songwriter who is a gospel singer and sponsors Lekki Sports Television to promote youth engagement in sports, aimed at steering them away from crime, drug abuse, and other vices.
