A lecturer with the Department of Integrated Social Science at the University of Media, Arts and Communication-Ghana Institute of Journalism (UniMac-GIJ), Isaac Kwame Nti Ofori, has charged students to leverage university education to help solve societal problems.
Such efforts, he indicated, will reduce the soaring numbers of graduate unemployment in the country.
He made the call yesterday during an interview with the Daily Statesman. He touched on ways university students can capitalize on education and information as opportunities in solving the numerous societal issues in the country with the knowledge and skills acquired in their studies.
Unemployment
Mr Nti Ofori noted that graduate unemployment continues to hamper the socio-economic development of many African countries, adding that it is incumbent on university students to use the knowledge and skills acquired to change the status quo.
According to him, there are several jobs many university students can create for themselves and their contemporaries. Unfortunately, however, they often tend to rely on government and private entities in the job creation endeavour.
He was particularly worried over the manner in which some university students limit their potential, and hope to be employed in the government sector.
“The government alone cannot, possibly, solve the unemployment issues in the country and, for that matter, the sub-region. University students should better brace themselves towards creating employment for themselves. The truth is the majority of these students are industrious, and can make a difference, if they put their knowledge and skills into practice,” he explained.
Agriculture
He proposed that one of the ways in which university students can create wealth for themselves is by venturing into agriculture.
Mr Nti Ofori expressed his dissatisfaction with the way “we have linked farming to individuals living in the hinterlands”.
He indicated that when students prioritize agriculture, they can assist the nation in terms of attaining food security targets, and augment the government’s effort at helping initiatives like “Planting for Food and Jobs” to succeed.
“As students, you’re at liberty to form farming groups of five or more. By contributing towards, say, rabbit-breeding, piggery or tilapia farming, you can, within a period of a year in school, make enough capital to expand. That way, you can boast of having a certain job waiting for you in the event the government is not able to absorb all of you,” he advised.
Mr Ofori further urged the youth to be concerned about their mental health, and work hard towards improving their immediate environment.
He also challenged them to avoid the use of hard drugs, as they can be detrimental to their very existence.
