The vice-chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has said unemployment rate in the country could be reduced if government at all levels and corporate organisations could see talents discovery as a priority area of focus.
Prof. Obi said this in Calabar, Friday, during the 2022 International Youth Day Celebration, organised by the University of Calabar with support from Cross River government and in partnership with international and local partners.
Represented by the deputy vice-chancellor (Administration), Prof Mike Okom, the VC said talents could create jobs for the youths and help reduce the rising rate of youth unemployment.
She believed that the International Youth Day, which had the theme ‘Solidarity; Creating a World for All Ages’, was unique because it would help to amplify the voices of the younger generation.
“The celebration of the International Youth Day is very unique because it draws attention on the challenges and difficulties facing the youths. The importance of youth in any country cannot be overemphasized. Nigeria has the crop of the most talented youths in the world.
“I want to use this medium to call on government at all levels and corporate organisations to explore ways of harnessing the potentials and talents of the youths.
“Most Nigerian youths have had some breakthroughs in technology and others with special skills, but the government has failed to recognise them,” she said.
In his remarks, a representative from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Yakubu Aliyu, said the global body has earmarked many programmes targeted at youth development and growth, adding that UNFPA would continue to design programmes that would uplift the standard and participation of youths in meaningful activities.
