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Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace vocational education and practical skills as a pathway to employment, financial independence and economic development. Oshiomhole stressed that young people should look beyond traditional white-collar jobs and consider skilled professions that offer opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. He pointed to the growing demand for electricians, chefs and other technically trained workers as evidence that vocational skills can provide viable career opportunities for young Nigerians struggling to secure formal employment.
The former governor’s remarks have renewed attention on the importance of technical and vocational education in addressing unemployment and the widening gap between the skills employers require and those available in the labour market. In a country where thousands of graduates enter the labour market every year, many young people face stiff competition for limited salaried positions. Oshiomhole’s message is that acquiring practical skills can open alternative routes to economic participation and help young people build careers without depending entirely on government employment or office-based jobs.
According to the argument behind his appeal, Nigeria’s economy needs more than university graduates. It also requires competent artisans, technicians, hospitality professionals and other skilled workers who can provide essential services to households, businesses and industries. Electricians are needed to install and maintain electrical systems, while trained chefs are increasingly important to hotels, restaurants, catering companies and the hospitality industry. These occupations demonstrate how practical expertise can translate into employment opportunities across different sectors of the economy.
Why Oshiomhole Wants Young Nigerians to Consider Vocational SkillsOshiomhole’s appeal reflects a broader concern about the expectations many young Nigerians attach to formal education and employment. For decades, university education has been widely regarded as one of the principal routes to social mobility, professional recognition and financial stability. While academic qualifications remain valuable, the number of available jobs does not always match the growing number of graduates seeking employment.
Consequently, many young people spend years searching for salaried positions after completing their education, sometimes overlooking opportunities to develop practical skills that could help them earn an income. Vocational training offers another option by equipping individuals with specialised knowledge and the ability to perform specific tasks required in the labour market.
The former governor’s message does not necessarily suggest that young people should abandon university education. Rather, it highlights the need to recognise vocational training as a legitimate and potentially rewarding career pathway. A young person can pursue academic qualifications while also acquiring a practical skill that provides additional income opportunities, improves employability or supports the establishment of a business.
In an economy where financial independence can be difficult to achieve, combining theoretical knowledge with practical competence may help young people become more adaptable to changing employment conditions.
Electricians Among the Skilled Workers in Demand
Electrical work is one of the vocational professions that requires specialised training and practical experience. Electricians play an important role in residential buildings, commercial establishments, factories, construction projects and infrastructure maintenance.
Their responsibilities range from installing electrical wiring and repairing faulty connections to maintaining power distribution systems and troubleshooting electrical problems. As homes and businesses continue to depend on electrical installations and equipment, qualified electricians remain essential to everyday economic activity.
However, electrical work is not a profession that should be approached casually. Poorly installed wiring, unsafe connections and inadequate maintenance can lead to electric shocks, fires and damage to property. Anyone interested in the trade must therefore obtain proper training, work under qualified supervision and follow applicable safety standards.
For young Nigerians considering the profession, an apprenticeship with an experienced electrician can provide a foundation for developing the necessary technical skills. Formal technical education and recognised certifications can further improve professional credibility and open opportunities to work with construction companies, engineering firms and other organisations.
Experienced electricians may also establish their own businesses, employ apprentices and provide services to households and commercial clients. This creates the possibility of moving from individual employment to entrepreneurship, although success depends on competence, customer trust, business management and the availability of work.
Chefs and the Expanding Hospitality Sector
The reference to chefs also highlights the employment potential of the hospitality and food-service industries. Cooking has long been an important occupation in Nigeria, but professional culinary work requires more than the ability to prepare meals at home.
Trained chefs must understand food preparation techniques, kitchen management, hygiene, food safety, portion control and the proper handling of ingredients. Depending on their specialisation, they may work in hotels, restaurants, catering businesses, event centres, schools, hospitals or private households.
Nigeria’s hospitality sector provides opportunities for people who can prepare quality meals, manage kitchens efficiently and respond to the changing expectations of customers. Weddings, conferences, corporate functions and other social events also create demand for catering services, although the level of demand varies by location and economic conditions.
Young people interested in culinary careers can begin by enrolling in a culinary training programme, working under experienced chefs or gaining experience in professional kitchens. Over time, they may specialise in particular cuisines, pastry production, baking, event catering or restaurant management.
For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, culinary skills can provide a foundation for establishing food businesses, including catering services, bakeries, small restaurants and food-delivery operations. Nevertheless, a successful business requires more than cooking ability. Proper budgeting, food hygiene, customer service, marketing and consistent quality are equally important.
Vocational Education as a Response to Youth UnemploymentYouth unemployment remains a major economic and social concern in Nigeria. Although the country’s labour market is diverse and official employment measures have changed over time, many young people continue to face difficulties finding stable, adequately paid work.
The challenge is particularly complicated for individuals who lack access to quality education, professional networks, startup capital or the technical skills required by employers. In some cases, young people possess academic qualifications but have limited practical experience. In others, they may have the ability to learn a trade but cannot afford the cost of training and essential equipment.
Vocational education can help address some of these challenges by providing structured opportunities to develop marketable competencies. Training in electrical installation, plumbing, welding, refrigeration and air-conditioning, automobile maintenance, carpentry, catering and other trades can prepare participants for specific types of work.
However, vocational education should not be treated as an automatic solution to unemployment. Training programmes must be relevant to actual market needs, and participants need access to quality instructors, practical facilities and opportunities to gain experience. Where trainees graduate without the equipment, certification or business support needed to enter the workforce, the benefits of vocational education may be limited.
For Oshiomhole’s appeal to translate into meaningful results, young people must be supported not only to acquire skills but also to apply them productively.Why Practical Skills Matter Beyond EmploymentThe value of vocational training extends beyond helping individuals find jobs. Skilled workers also contribute to productivity, infrastructure development and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.When a community has competent electricians, plumbers, mechanics, builders and technicians, residents and businesses can access essential services more readily. Skilled workers help maintain equipment, repair infrastructure, reduce operational delays and support the delivery of goods and services.Vocational skills can also create opportunities for self-employment. Rather than depending exclusively on an employer, a trained individual may build a customer base, provide services independently and eventually establish a business that employs other people.For example, an electrician who develops a reputation for safe and reliable work may progress from handling small domestic repairs to undertaking larger installation projects. Similarly, a chef may begin by working in a restaurant before establishing a catering business or opening a food outlet.These examples illustrate how professional skills can provide a foundation for economic independence. However, progress usually requires time, consistent practice, investment and a willingness to continue learning.The Need to Change Attitudes Towards Vocational CareersOne of the barriers facing vocational education in Nigeria is the perception that technical and manual occupations are less prestigious than conventional white-collar professions. Some parents encourage their children to pursue university degrees while treating apprenticeships and technical trades as alternatives reserved for those who cannot gain admission to higher institutions.Such attitudes can discourage capable young people from exploring careers that match their interests and abilities. They can also contribute to shortages of trained workers in occupations that are essential to economic activity.A more balanced approach would recognise that academic and vocational education serve different but complementary purposes. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers and other university-trained professionals are indispensable to society. Skilled technicians, artisans, chefs and tradespeople are equally important in the sectors where their expertise is required.The real issue should be whether a person has acquired the competence, discipline and professional standards necessary to perform a job effectively, rather than whether the occupation carries a particular social label.Parents, educators and policymakers can help change these attitudes by exposing students to different career pathways and providing reliable information about training opportunities, professional standards and employment prospects.Schools can also strengthen career guidance programmes to help young people understand that success does not follow a single route. For some individuals, university education will be the most appropriate choice; for others, technical training, vocational education or a combination of both may offer a better fit.Government and the Private Sector Have Important Roles to PlayWhile Oshiomhole’s appeal places responsibility on young people to consider vocational training, the broader challenge requires action from government, educational institutions and private businesses.Government at the federal and state levels can support vocational education by investing in technical colleges, equipping training centres and developing programmes that respond to labour-market needs. Training institutions also need instructors who possess relevant professional experience and can teach modern techniques.The private sector has an important role in providing apprenticeships, internships and workplace training. Businesses that employ electricians, chefs, technicians and other skilled workers can help trainees gain practical experience while identifying individuals who may eventually become permanent employees.Partnerships between training institutions and employers can also help ensure that students acquire the skills required in real working environments. Where possible, recognised certification should be available to demonstrate competence and improve the confidence of customers and employers.Financial support is another important consideration. Some young people cannot afford training fees, tools, protective equipment or the transport costs associated with attending vocational programmes. Scholarships, affordable training schemes and carefully designed support for small businesses could help remove these barriers.In addition, access to credit and business development services may help qualified individuals establish sustainable enterprises. Such support should be accompanied by financial education and accountability to ensure that available resources are used productively.Digital Technology Is Creating New Opportunities for Skilled WorkersThe changing nature of work also means that vocational training must evolve with technology. Traditional trades increasingly require familiarity with modern equipment, digital tools and updated safety procedures.Electricians, for instance, may benefit from training in solar power installation, inverter systems, energy-efficient equipment and electrical maintenance. As households and businesses explore different approaches to power supply, workers with appropriate training in these areas may find additional opportunities.Similarly, chefs and catering professionals can use digital platforms to market their services, receive orders, communicate with customers and promote their businesses. Online payment systems and digital advertising can help small enterprises reach customers beyond their immediate neighbourhoods.Other vocational occupations are also being transformed by technology. Automobile technicians may need to understand electronic diagnostic systems, while refrigeration technicians must keep up with changing equipment and environmental standards.These developments demonstrate why vocational training should not end when an individual completes an apprenticeship or receives a certificate. Continuous learning is necessary to remain competitive and provide services that meet changing customer expectations.For Nigerian youths, combining practical competence with digital literacy, communication skills and basic business knowledge can broaden the range of opportunities available to them.Young People Must Approach Skills Acquisition With SeriousnessBeyond government policy and public investment, young people themselves must be prepared to approach vocational training with commitment and discipline. Learning a trade requires patience, repeated practice and a willingness to begin with basic tasks before progressing to more complex responsibilities.An apprenticeship may involve months or years of learning under an experienced professional. During that period, trainees must develop technical competence, understand workplace safety and learn how to interact professionally with customers and colleagues.Choosing a vocational career should therefore involve careful consideration of personal interests, training requirements, costs and realistic employment opportunities. Young people should investigate the quality of training providers, the credibility of certificates and the demand for particular services in their communities.They should also be cautious about programmes that promise unusually high earnings without explaining the skills, experience or investment required. No trade guarantees immediate financial success, and income can vary considerably depending on location, experience, competition and economic conditions.Nevertheless, acquiring a useful skill can improve a person’s options and provide a foundation for further professional development. With the right training and a willingness to work, vocational education can become an important part of a broader plan for financial independence.A Call for a Broader Understanding of SuccessOshiomhole’s appeal to Nigerian youths highlights the need for a broader conversation about education, employment and economic opportunity. At a time when many young people are searching for stable livelihoods, vocational skills offer a route that deserves serious consideration alongside university education and other professional pathways.The demand for electricians, chefs and other skilled workers illustrates the importance of practical competence in everyday economic life. Homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and industries depend on people who can install, maintain, prepare, repair and manage the services that keep society functioning.However, encouraging young people to embrace vocational education must go hand in hand with improving the quality of training, expanding access to equipment, strengthening certification and creating a business environment in which skilled professionals can earn a decent living.The challenge is not simply to persuade young Nigerians to learn trades. It is to build a system in which those who acquire useful skills can find work, establish businesses, support their families and contribute to national development.Ultimately, a person’s prospects should not be measured solely by the possession of a university degree or the title attached to a job. Knowledge, competence, integrity and the ability to solve real problems are also important measures of professional value.By urging young people to consider vocational skills, Adams Oshiomhole has drawn attention to an issue that remains relevant to Nigeria’s employment debate. The lasting impact of that message will depend on whether individuals, institutions, government and businesses work together to make quality skills training accessible, respected and economically rewarding.
