Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has urged young Nigerians to turn their attention from conventional academic endeavours to cutting-edge industries like space technology, which he has characterised as a feasible route to economic growth.
At the conclusion of a five-day intensive training program for 200 youngsters, primarily from Cross River, on space technology, the governor, via the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, stated that many highly educated Nigerians are unemployed due to the dwindling labour market.
“There are so many Master’s and PhD holders without jobs. Some have ended up as taxi drivers,” he said. “It’s disheartening to see young people in their 30s and 40s still depending on their parents for survival.”
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT) led the program, which gave participants up-to-date information on a range of space technology topics.
In order to compete worldwide and support Nigeria’s growth in new and important areas, Otu advised young people to place less emphasis on degrees and certifications and more emphasis on employable, future-focused abilities.
“I feel gladdened to see young men go after innovative and technical jobs that can readily give them livelihood and economic benefits.
“Productivity is the essence of life. You must make yourself independent and productive, using modern technology skills. While pursuits or academic laurels are okay, yet you must think seriously towards additional handwork to yield quick money when degrees do not readily provide you desired jobs. So coming here to see you at this training gives me joy. The state needs this technological expertise.
Otu appreciated the detailed training and opportunities available for the young people whom he said will have alternative economic livelihoods.
In her remarks, the chief executive officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, stated that the way to global reach and economic development is now in satellite technology.
She said the main reason for the training is to enable the country to enlarge the pool of local talents to benefit from modern tech development in order to contribute to the country’s satellite technology.
She disclosed that the federal government has tasked them to explore greater opportunities for local youths, which is why they have already held training sessions in some South-South and other states.
Egerton-Idehen explained that the 200 young men and women were equipped with practical, hands-on skills in Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation and maintenance, a high-demand skill set that can create real employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in today’s digital economy.
“Our focus on VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) training equips young people with practical, market-ready installation skills, enabling them to tap into a growing industry.
“These participants are now job-ready technicians, capable of deploying satellite-based internet in schools, hospitals, and remote communities,” she said.
As part of empowerment, she assured that the 200 will be fast-tracked into the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme, where they will receive further mentorship, funding opportunities, and exposure to take their ideas from concept to market.
“We’re planting seeds for Nigeria’s future space technology and technical needs. This is why we are building up pools of local talents to meet up the envisaged demands.”
She further disclosed that in the next two months, the federal government will roll out a massive space tech project in the South-South.
