By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has taken a significant step towards empowering its students with vocational skills. According to Professor Olufemi Peters, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, the university's staff nursery and primary school has introduced a skills acquisition program as part of its curriculum.
Represented by Professor Sammani Rabo Butswat, Professor Peters explained that the program includes training in tailoring, plumbing, and electrical installations. "We already have 189 pupils interested in the various aspects of these vocational trainings," he said. "We have approved a small stipend payment, but this may not start immediately. For this session, it's free, but by next session, we will decide on the stipend to be paid by parents whose pupils will participate."
Professor Peters also emphasized the importance of introducing computer appreciation and electronic library access to the students. "We want these young guys and girls to know that they can access course materials anywhere in the world, outside Kaduna state or Nigeria," he said.
The Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), Professor Aminu Umar, welcomed guests to the 8th inter-house sports competition, where the skills acquisition program was announced. "This is an annual event that takes place from time to time, and we are lucky to have it in February this year," he said. "We organize this event to redeem and rejuvenate the talents of our pupils, to appreciate that all work without play makes Jack a dull boy."
Professor Umar emphasized the importance of vocational skills in the 21st century. "21st-century knowledge is about giving your talent, intelligence, and vocation," he said. "Your child may be good in the classroom but bad in vocation, or bad in intelligence but good in vocation. We have started this program, and we hope and pray that you will give us demanding support and cooperation to ensure that we embark on this new journey of supporting government policy on vocational skills right from the basic level."
The event featured various sports competitions, including a 25-meter race, frog race, 100-meter race, sack race, and tug of war, among others. Medals, certificates, and trophies were presented to the winners in various categories.
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Sport