Lagos Tackles Youth Unemployment with ‘Ready Set Work’ Initiative
Peace Obi
The Lagos state government has launched the second edition of its ‘Ready Set Work Initiative’ (RSW) across all its higher institutions, In an effort aimed at tackling youth unemployment.
The initiative, designed to be a 13-week entrepreneurship and employability programme is aimed at equipping final year students in the state with the 21st century skills that will enable them succeed either as entrepreneurs or in the world of work.
Announcing the expansion of the programme to now accommodate the six tertiary institutions in the state during the 2017 sensitisation programme at Lagos College of Health Technology, Yaba and University of Lagos recently, the Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode said RSW is aimed at ensuring that graduates in the state are provided with the critical skills to succeed.
The Governor who was represented by his Special Assistant on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said the state appreciates the fact that the wealth of a nation lies on the quality of its manpower, adding that the ministry of education through RSW initiative wants to address the gaps in the skill set of graduates by equipping them with market-aligned knowledge, soft and employability skills, among others.
He said the initiative is part of the strategic plans towards achieving his administration’s target of a Lagos that works for all , “we must empower you. This year’s RSW would accommodate 2000 students, selected from six institutions and the training would hold in three centres; Lagos State University, UNILAG and Lagos State Polytechnic.
“Last year we took only 500 students from the state-owned schools, but this year we have expanded it to accommodate 2000 students spread across. It will interest you to know that the year’s overall best student that won the star prize in last year’s edition came from the Lagos College of Health technology. That tells you that no one can put you down. Your future lies in your hands,” he said.
The Governor also announced the opening of RSW academy ; an online training platform where year three students will be simultaneously admitted in preparation for the RSW training in their final year.
“What we have also done is that we are opening an online academy called RSW academy. It is open to those students who will be in their final year by next year. What we are trying to do is to give ourselves a longer period of time to train you. And if you don’t take part in the RSW online academy this year, you won’t be eligible for the RSW in your final year.
“You need to realise that you are not competing with people in Nigeria or Africa but with the world. You must benchmark yourself with what is obtainable globally. You must ensure that whatever skills you have is relevant in 21st century.”
He noted that the students must fulfill the requirements to graduate and secure internship placement, adding, “If you want your life to be different, you have to do things differently. The program starts on the 30th of June, 9am to 5pm every Saturday. You are investing in your life. You are going to do 24 courses and you must do all or at least attend 21 for you to graduate; excuses of any kind will not be entertained. Your programme will be totally online. Assignments will be given to you with deadline and if you don’t submit on time, it won’t be marked. Every student must be seated in class by 8:45am, if you come 8:46, you are late.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. Ben Oghojafor commended the Ambode-led government on what he described as giant strides of the state government in transforming the state through numerical developmental projects around the state.
He also thanked the governor for considering UNILAG students for the initiative, adding that such kind gesture can only come from a government that appreciates the importance of quality manpower and youth empowerment in nation building.
He advised the students to grab the opportunity the state government has brought to their doorsteps while reminding them that the future lies in entrepreneurship.
“RSW initiative is meant to turn you from job seekers to job creators. The government feels that Lagos cannot work for all without creators of job and wealth, and they are here today to kick-start the process of making job creators rather than job seeks. Technology has provided you an opportunity of becoming a global player. So, be wise and make good use of it, Oghojafor counselled.
The Provost of the Lagos College of Health Technology, Yaba, Mr. Moyo Kazeem, also thanked the government for giving the institution the opportunity to participate in this year’s edition, while reminding his students how one of them emerged the overall best despite the slim chance the institution had in last year’s edition.