VC urges youths to shun cyber crime, embrace ICT

Prof. Labode Popoola, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Osogbo, has urged youths to shun cybercrime and engage in productive ventures through Information and Communication Technology(ICT).

Popoola gave the advice during the opening ceremony of ICT Entrepreneurship Training for students of the state’s tertiary institutions on Monday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training with the theme, “Youth Empowerment 2019: Awakening Entrepreneurship in Youth through ICT Training,” was organised by Omoluabi Mortgage Bank in collaboration with the university.

The vice chancellor noted that ICT had become the focus globally, adding that it was necessary for youths to convert their ICT ideas into business ventures rather than cybercrime.

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He said the training would equip the participants and inculcate in them the spirit of ICT entrepreneurship as well as help them build the capacity to develop business plans related to ICT operations.

Mr Tunde Olatunji, the guest speaker, said youths could be self-reliant through ICT without necessarily relying on a white-collar job.

Olatunji, a member of Osun House of Assembly, said that the world was moving at a very fast pace through ICT, adding that there was the need for the youths to be ICT compliant.

“The world is not looking for people who have certificates but cannot solve problems and think.

“The world is looking for those who can solve problems through ICT and be self-reliant,” Olatunji said.

He, however, appealed to the government to provide an enabling environment for youths that would enable them to develop ICT.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Florence Yusuf, the Director of Entrepreneurship Centre of the university, said the training was meant to equip the undergraduates with ICT-driven entrepreneurial skills.

Yusuf said the participants would be equipped with the skills needed for them to begin ICT entrepreneurship businesses.

Mr Ayo Olowookere, the Managing Director of Omoluabu Mortgage Bank, said the training was to impart ICT knowledge on the youths to be self-reliant.