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Undergraduates of Ikebiri Kingdom in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been advised to think outside the box by engaging in skill areas that will enable them to become self-employed after graduation.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ikebiri Development Foundation (IDF), Apostle Timiebi Gaius Kiyaramo, gave the advice when the leadership of the national body of Ikebiri Kingdom Students’ Union, led by the pioneer national president, Comrade Goodluck Ebianga Kasa, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa, the state capital.
According to Apostle Kiyaramo, “the ability to think critically is essential to your success in the world of business. Unfortunately, it’s not something that is being nurtured in the traditional schools”.
He stressed that “a company is not something bound to run smoothly forever, especially today, when markets are more volatile than ever, not to mention the harsh competition,” noting that learning entrepreneurship exposes students “to numerous opportunities to learn how to think critically and analyze the pieces on the board”.
“Being aware of all the important factors and seeing how they affect each other is the foundation of a smart decision-making process. This is not something that can be learned from a book. Students have to be exposed to real-world examples and learn from their own experience”, he maintained.
The IDF board chairman, who also is the general overseer of Kingdom Grace Mission International Church pointed out that “skills associated with entrepreneurs, such as financial literacy, money management, and strong interpersonal skills are not only beneficial but also relevant for day-to-day life”, adding that the benefits of entrepreneurship studies go beyond being purely personal, rather, they are also beneficial to society.
“The economic benefits of entrepreneurs to society have never been in doubt. New enterprise and entrepreneurial innovation are critical for any society to be globally competitive, with technological advancements creating new jobs.
“The world has never been more in need of students who are trying to make a difference than it is today. And this is the very definition of entrepreneurs. Yes, their goal is to sell products and services, but this is just one piece of the entire puzzle. To become successful at it, they have to identify the real needs and problems of people and solve them.”
He lamented that “though our education system has become plagued with rigid testing and standards, opportunities to innovate, collaborate and demonstrate proficiency in real life situations become rare”, reiterating that “in addition to encouraging people, entrepreneurship education requires students to be innovative, creative and collaborative with others”
“It is no surprise that more and more university courses include what should be the centerpiece of contemporary education, being entrepreneurship. Thanks to forward-thinking individuals and organizations, institutions of higher learning that have made entrepreneurship courses requisites for graduation,” he said.
Earlier, the national president of the union, Comrade Goodluck Ebianga Kasa, a 100-level Law student of Benson Idahosa University Benin City, had solicited for support from IDF to enable the body carry out educational awareness programmes in Ikebiri Kingdom, comprising, Ikebiri I II and III communities in Olodiama clan.
Ikebiri Development Foundation, IDF, is an umbrella elite group that is championing development of Ikebiri kingdom, comprising, Ikebiri 1, 2, 3 and 4 communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The platform engages meaningful dialogue and partnership with critical stakeholders in government, the private sector and civil society, with a view to formulating effective strategies for sustainable development and peace through the application of conflict sensitive approaches to community development.
