ADDRESSING NIGERIA'S EDUCATION SKILLS GAP: The Role of Governor Otu's Established University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa

ADDRESSING NIGERIA'S EDUCATION SKILLS GAP: The Role of Governor Otu's Established University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

By Pst. Imoke Etorti, Ph.D

As youth unemployment looms large and social instability brews in Nigeria, the nation finds itself perched on the edge of a critical juncture. By 2030, projections suggest that over 100 million youths could remain without jobs, exacerbating a crisis that is already evident in the staggering 30 million unemployed citizens. With every passing day, the urgency for action intensifies.

Amidst this troubling reality, however, a renewed hope has emerged in the form of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa, established by the visionary leadership of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State. This institution is not merely an academic hub; it is the lifeline that millions of Nigerian youths desperately need, offering them a chance to transition from an uncertain future to a world brimming with opportunities.

UEE, Akamkpa Admission Application Portal:

https://www.portal.uee.ng/register

A MONUMENTAL SHIFT IN EDUCATIO

In January 2025, Governor Otu took a historic step by signing the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa Law 2024, transforming the defunct Cross River State College of Education into UEE, Akamkpa. This move, supported by the Cross River State House of Assembly, marks a pivotal moment in the state's educational transformation. The University’s focus on integrating educational pedagogy with Entrepreneurship skills is set to address the growing unemployment crisis and promotes self-reliance and wealth creation.

The creation of UEE, Akamkpa, is a response to Nigeria’s shifting economic milieu. As the nation’s population grows and oil revenues decline, the skills gap widens. UEE, Akamkpa aims to bridge this gap by equipping students with practical entrepreneurship skills, offering a dynamic solution to the nation's challenges.

THE STRATEGIC VISION OF UEE, AKAMKPA

The vision behind UEE, Akamkpa is to bridge the education and skills gap that threatens Nigeria’s future. The University’s curriculum blends academic knowledge with practical business acumen, preparing students for leadership roles across various sectors. UEE is set to offer compulsory certification in entrepreneurship skills and craftsmanship, in order to foster self-reliance, innovation, economic growth, and addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis.

In a nation with over 30% unemployment (National Bureau of Statistics), UEE, Akamkpa’s emphasis is on practical skills that will equip students to become job creators rather than job seekers. The University’s commitment to developing a skilled, self-sufficient workforce is a step toward reshaping Nigeria’s future.

A NEW MODEL FOR EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s education system has long been criticized for its disconnect from the labor market. UEE, Akamkpa addresses this by integrating educational pedagogy,  with practical training. Students will gain digital literacy, sustainable business practices,  leadership skills and varieties of craftsmanship services necessary for both traditional and emerging industries such as renewable energy, blue economy and innovative technology.

By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, UEE, Akamkpa aims to create a new wave of innovators—graduates who can revitalize Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and transform industries that are currently underdeveloped.

TACKLING THE ROOTS OF SOCIAL INSTABILITY

Nigeria, with its expected population of 300 million by 2030 (World Bank), finds itself caught in a delicate web of pressing issues. A skills gap that threatens economic stability, exacerbated by a dependency on oil revenues and the looming specter of a future without the same oil-exporting partnerships, makes the country's future uncertain. 

With over 30 million unemployed Nigerians (National Bureau of Statistics), 22 million out-of-school children (UNICEF), 33 million metric tonnes of grain deficiencies (FAO), and a housing deficit that continues to widen (Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development), the urgency for systemic change is perceptible. Yet, within this backdrop of crisis, the creation of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship offers a glimmer of hope, a lifeline that promises to bridge the education and skills gap, and potentially avert the looming disaster.

As the link between unemployment, poverty, and social instability is undeniable and the potential for social unrest is staggering, UEE, Akamkpa stands as a counterforce to these forces of despair, offering youth the tools to break free from poverty and contribute to the nation’s growth.

Education, especially when paired with entrepreneurship, can be the key to alleviating poverty and reducing social instability. UEE equips students with marketable skills, empowering them to create their own opportunities and become leaders of change, ultimately contributing to a thriving Nigerian economy.

CALL TO ACTION

The creation of UEE, Akamkpa is not just a step forward; it is a call to action for other regions and leaders across Nigeria. The nation faces immense challenges, but they are not insurmountable. By prioritizing education, entrepreneurship, and skills development, Nigeria can create an environment where youth are equipped to tackle the problems of today and build the solutions of tomorrow.

Governor Otu’s initiative is a timely intervention in a nation where over 40% of youth are unemployed (National Bureau of Statistics). UEE, Akamkpa represents a critical opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s future by fostering innovation, self-reliance, and economic independence. As the nation heads toward 2030, the University stands as the cornerstone of a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigeria and its youth.

To this end, UEE, Akamkpa offers a revolutionary approach to education, providing not only academic knowledge but also the practical skills necessary to thrive in the modern economy. Governor Otu’s vision is a blueprint for a more sustainable, self-sufficient Nigeria—one where the challenges of unemployment and social instability can be overcome through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Admission application portal for UEE, Akamkpa  inaugural 2023/2024 Academic Session is as presented above.

UEE, Akamkpa invites prospective students to seize this incredible opportunity to be part of this transformative Institution. Don't miss out, apply now and take the first step towards a prosperous and self-reliant future!

Pst. Imoke Etorti, Ph.D*

Data, Political and Economic Analyst