How skill acquisition training is shaping my education

Available white-collar jobs can no longer cater for the number of job seekers in the country. This calls for a means of engaging the younger generation in skill acquisition training in the vocation of their choice for both personal or commercial benefits. Students of AMAO COLLEGE, Akingbile, Oyo Road, Ibadan, in fulfilment of this demand, speak on various entrepreneur trainings offered by the school.

Adejuwon Oseni, 9 yrs old, JSS 1

I see the graphics design knowledge I am acquiring in secondary school as a good thing which can earn me some money if I take it seriously. I’d love to beautify people’s surroundings with my designs as well as their flier for goods and services for adverts. I also designed birthday cards for my cousins and also designed a business flier for my aunt. They all appreciated the creative designs.

Dhikrullahi Abdulsalam, 14 yrs old, SSS 1

Barbing is a universal skill that cannot be done away with because people will always cut their hair as part of hygiene. I can always rely on the skill to earn money. When we started the training, I felt it was a very difficult handiwork because of the maximum concentration, carefulness and patience required in order not to make mistakes, but when I got familiar with the process, I discovered that as long as one follows the rules, barbing is a very easy task.

I now barb my younger brother’s hair and this serves as a way to practice what I have been taught. Each time I go to a barber’s shop to cut my hair and I am charged for the service, I feel how will I be paying for what I know what to do? I hope to pay back my school by supplying free materials needed for students learning the skill too.

Charles Bright, 14 yrs old

I’m learning graphics design and so far, I have designed a notebook cover, summer coaching flier, church flier, wedding invitation, shop banner, an inter-house sports flier, birthday card and many more. I will like to continue to do this until I become a well- equipped graphic designer.

My brother loves drawing so I sometimes copy what he draws. I love writing fiction so this boosts my sense of imagination. I was excited when I was introduced to the skill and I wish that sometimes later in life, I will be able to monetise the knowledge I have acquired.

Teslim Aliu, SSS 3

When the school management came with the idea of taking us through various entrepreneurial training, I saw it as a great opportunity and I quickly grabbed it. Among all the entrepreneurial opportunities open to us, I intentionally chose welding and fabrication for its lucrativeness. Although it might be tedious, I have summoned courage to cope. I am glad the school could bring up this initiative and I have decided to go for further training after my secondary school while waiting for admission into the university. I appreciate my school for introducing this.

Joshua Oyediran, SSS 2

We were told of different entrepreneurship activities in school which includes barbing, tailoring, graphics designing, welding and fabrication etc. I chose barbing because long before it was introduced to us in school, I had interest it. I informed my parents about it and they were pleased with my choice. Since we started, I now know each equipment by name and their uses. I can now hold a clipper but not perfectly. Picking interest in barbing does not mean I wish to make a living by it but just want to have basic knowledge that could be useful for me in future.

Naheem Adeleke, SSS 3

I want to study Political Science but my school has created in me a passion to go into welding and fabrication. I prefer it to other choices. Welders are indispensable in building projects. I thought of this idea as a good one because it is a good opportunity to contribute to the life of students, especially those whose parents do not have the wherewithal to support them academically. I have informed our tutor of my plan to undergo further training for six months after my WAEC while I wait for admission into higher institution.

Hameedah Abdulfatai, 13 yrs old, SSS 1

I acquired knitting skills in 2021 at a camp. I developed interest in it since I was younger. It was a great pleasure joining the entrepreneurship class in my school and I was pleased it was introduced. I have made purses and I intend to sell them. I teach my classmates at break time or leisure. My next project is to make a handbag. I dream of making income with the knitting; I will make cardigans, caps and accessories such as wrist band, etc

Memunat Oyinlola, SSS 1

Initially, I was not interested, thinking the training would be additional stress to my academics but when I was given my first assignment, I saw the training as an added advantage to formal learning. I find it very interesting now with my knowledge of indesign etc. I intend to learn graphic design professionally. The knowledge I acquired in school is not enough because of the limited time we have and also combining it with our classes. I have designed a funeral flier for my mummy’s friend and she rewarded me with N1,500.

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