… education that prioritizes skills, empowerment, and holistic development of students
Akakan Umoh
A Nigerian parliamentarian, Mr. Unyime Idem, has amplified a call for a transformative approach to education that prioritises skills, empowerment, and holistic development of students in Nigeria’s 21st-century learning environment.
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Idem made the call in his inaugural lecture at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo on Saturday, on the theme: The 21st Century Academic: Training, Empowerment and Development of Nigerian Students.
Represented by a former Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Paul Udofia, Idem reasoned that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to include practical, digital, and entrepreneurial competencies that prepare students for global relevance.
The Chairman of House Committee on Public Procurement advocated a three-pronged framework: training, empowerment, and development as essential pillars for modern education.
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He insisted that institutions must integrate technology into learning, promote entrepreneurship, and build strong partnerships with industries to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
Highlighting his personal commitment to youth development, Idem cited payment of ₦1 billion empowerment grant initiative of N1 million each to 1,000 families, alongside scholarships, international training programmes, and ICT-driven job creation efforts that have benefited thousands of his constituents.
The Ukanafun-born politician pointed out key infrastructural projects, including the donation of 25 transformers, restoration of electricity after over 15 years of blackout in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam, construction of roads, classrooms, and ICT centres, as investments in human capital development.
On a charge to the pioneer students, he urged them to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and acquire skills beyond the classroom to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
The House of Representative member commended the founder and Chancellor of the university, Pastor Bassey James, for establishing the citadel of learning, and for appointing him as member of the institution’s Governing Council.
He expressed the hope that the university would grow into a centre of excellence, particularly with plans to expand into faculties of Law and Basic Health Sciences.
As part of the matriculation ceremonies, Idem commissioned the university’s male hostel, which is named after him, and promised to construct and donate a lecture hall to the institution.
Senator Ita Enang, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, chaired the maiden matriculation ceremony of the institution challenged the matriculants to break away from the outdated mentality of pursuing education solely for paid employment.
Enang, who is also the and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Board of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, declared that in today’s evolving world, certificates alone are no longer sufficient, and urged them instead to embrace innovation, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial courage.
According to him, they must deliberately prepare themselves to become employers of labour, solution providers, and nation builders, capable of shaping industries and creating opportunities where none exist.
The Founder and Chancellor of the university, Pastor Bassey James, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful takeoff of the institution and the historic matriculation ceremony.
He appreciated the contributions of government officials, stakeholders, and well-wishers to the realisation of the vision.
James also thanked his family for their commitments and support as well as his church community for their prayers and encouragement, describing Southern Atlantic University as a divine mandate committed to raising leaders of tomorrow.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ephraim Edem, had congratulated them on securing admission into the university and charged them to embrace discipline, academic excellence, and good character throughout their stay.
Edem emphasised that the institution is poised to deliver quality education that combines theory with practical relevance, urging the students to remain focused, uphold the rules of the university, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to shape their future.
Other speakers spoke on the importance of integrity, hard work, and purposeful living, and encouraged the students to see themselves as pioneers entrusted with the responsibility of setting high standards for those who will follow them in the coming years.
