by Nedu Okorie
A public affairs analyst and social commentator, comrade Joel Afolayan, a has revealed the significance of industrial-based skills over intellectual skills.
He disclosed this on a political breakfast show, Diamond FM Breakfast show today, the 15th of October, 2024, while speaking on the new skill-oriented curriculum for basic schools that is set to begin in January 2025 by the ministry of education, as well as the statement of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual regarding african graduates not competing with foreign counterparts over outdated teaching methods.
He said that, “many lecturers find it difficult to back up their teachings with practicals”. He complained that it is as a result of lack of practical skills.
Afolayan advised that students should get to have a 2-year IT programme upon graduation. He emphasized that this will cause a balance on industrial-based skills and intellectual skills of students.
“If highly intellectual students are employed as lecturers in their institution, there will be no difference and result, but if they are allowed to go for industrial training and then come back to secure the Job, it will be beneficial to students and the lecturer himself.” Said Comr. Afolayan
He revealed that the impact of this initiative will in the next 10yrs produce group of students or lecturers that possess both practical and intellectual skills. He also made reference to the students abroad, affirming that they are much better due to the availability of technical equipments and practical skills. He, therefore, argued that students are not to blame but the government.
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