The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to look beyond merely acquiring university degrees, emphasizing the need for investment in skills acquisition and technological advancements to ensure greater productivity.
This appeal was made by the Director General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Baffa Dan Agundi, during the National Unity Robot Project held at the National Stadium, Abuja. Agundi highlighted the growing relevance of technical skills in a rapidly evolving economy.
Speaking at the event, Agundi noted that many skilled artisans, such as vulcanizers and mechanics, often generate more income than university graduates employed in civil service roles. He emphasized that Nigerians must change their mindset and prioritize productivity-enhancing skills.
“I believe Nigeria needs something like this robotic program,” Agundi remarked. “Parents are rushing their kids to universities for degrees that may not yield anything, while their creativity and productivity can be nurtured in other educational settings. Mechanics, vulcanizers, and other SMEs, many without degrees, are thriving while our graduates are seeking jobs. A street vulcanizer can often earn more than a graduate working for a government agency.”
He urged Nigerian parents to reconsider pushing children through the academic system without preparing them for a productive future. “We need to stop pushing underage children to finish school quickly just to bag degrees,” Agundi added.
Agundi also shared his efforts to equip National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members attached to the NPC with the skills necessary to become independent after their service year. “At my center, we ensure that Corps members leave with something tangible. It’s not enough for them to just serve and go,” he stated.
The President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Dr. Samira Jibir, echoed Agundi’s sentiment. She stressed the importance of nurturing young minds with technological skills and celebrated the nation’s progress in technological advancement, particularly in robotics.
“Nigeria is beginning to live up to expectations as Africa’s giant with rapid advancements in technology, especially in the development of robotics,” Jibir said. “Robotics in Nigeria reflects the global trend of integrating automation and AI into various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and education.”
Jibir also urged parents to carefully consider their children’s age and maturity before rushing them through the education system, warning that it could jeopardize their future. “We must avoid the hurried school syndrome that puts undue pressure on children,” she cautioned.
Additionally, Jibir appealed to relevant government agencies to reinforce their regulatory roles, ensuring alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for a skilled, technologically advanced workforce.
Harvest Ibrahim, the U-Robot Project Coordinator, shared the project’s objectives, revealing that 10,000 children aged between two and fifteen had been selected to participate. These young participants would work under AI experts to develop robots, focusing on identity definition, material sourcing, and robot assembly.
“The idea of a robot globally symbolizes man’s attempt to recreate human tendencies to improve life. Our project is aimed at nurturing a new generation of productivity-cultured Nigerians,” Ibrahim explained. “Though we may not be sending men to the moon, thousands of Nigerian children will soon disrupt the global conversation with their innovations.”
With initiatives like the National Unity Robot Project, Nigeria is stepping into a future where skills and creativity will take center stage, leaving the traditional degree-focused mindset behind.
