Obi in London, gives conditions for Nigeria and Africa to develop

FORMER Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Obi, on Monday in London, gave two conditions that must be met for Nigeria to overcome its economic difficulties and for Africa to develop. The conditions, he said while speaking to newsmen after the highlevel discussions at the British House of Commons, include huge investment in education and skill acquisition, as well as meaningful support for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMES).

“Nigeria must focus on investing in education and skill acquisition in order to turn round its economy, and drastically reduce the levels of youth unemployment,” Obi, who revolutionised the education sector in Anambra during his days as Governor, said.

He maintained that Nigeria must see education and skill acquisition as an investment, as this would help to diversify and grow the country’s economy.

Obi noted that from the discussions it was evident that there are large opportunities in Africa, “but to achieve these, Africa requires huge investment in education and skill acquisition, as well as hugely supporting SMES – which will help build a pros- perous future for herself.”

The former Governor, who since leaving office in 2014, has devoted enormous resources towards the promotion of education around the continent, added that “for Africa to transit from exporter of raw commodities to a manufacturer of finished goods, and become a significant member of the global technological world her people must be educated.”

Chaired by Chi Onwurah MP (Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa), the discussions were attended by captains of industry and other British MPS and peers, among them Lord Chidgey, Co-chair from the House of Lords of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa. Also in attendance were Lord Marland, Chairman of the Common Wealth Enterprise and Investment Council; Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey; Emma WadeSmith, Regional Trade Commissioner for Africa, who presented the keynote address; and David Luke, Coordinator of the African Trade Policy and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, who was also a guest speaker.

THE National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), yesterday released the result of its November/december 2017 NBC/NTC/ANBC/ANTC examinations.

The Registrar of the Board, Prof. Ifeoma Mercy IsiugoAbanihe, disclosed this yesterday.

She urged governments at various levels to establish more technical and vocational education training centres to attain a sustainable development.

She said such centres were useful for youth empowerment, poverty reduction, youth restiveness and unemployment.

Giving a break down of the results, she said: “The examinations were held nation wide from November 6, to December 8, 2017. A total of 45,088 candidates enrolled for the examinations in 1786 centres nation wide.

“Analysis of the results further revealed that 21,159 candidates representing 52.74 per cent of candidates obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

“Also, 31,369 candidates representing 78.19 per cent, scored five credits and above with or without English Language and Mathematics.

This represents an improved performance, compared to the 2016 November/ December results, where 21,476 candidates, representing 47.48 per cent obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

Also, 33,365 candidates representing 73.77 per cent scored five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics.