Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has advised Nigerian youths to shift their focus from conventional academic qualifications to emerging opportunities in space technology and other tech-driven skills.

According to the governor, this shift is crucial to tackle the growing unemployment rate among highly educated Nigerians.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, at the closing ceremony of a five-day intensive training programme for 200 youths, Otu lamented the shrinking job market and its impact on Nigerian graduates.

“There are so many Master’s and PhD holders without jobs. Some have ended up as taxi drivers,” the governor stated.

“It’s disheartening to see young people in their 30s and 40s still depending on their parents for survival.”

Governor Otu stressed the importance of practical and innovative skills over paper qualifications.

He charged the participants to leverage the training to position themselves for the future.

“I feel gladdened to see young men go after innovative and technical jobs that can readily give them a livelihood and economic benefits,” he said.

“Productivity is the essence of life. You must make yourself independent and productive, using modern technology skills.”

He stressed that while academic achievements are commendable, they no longer guarantee employment in today’s digital economy.

“You must think seriously towards additional hard work to yield quick money when degrees do not readily provide you with the desired jobs,” he added.

The governor commended the training initiative and noted that such empowerment schemes are critical to creating alternative economic pathways for Nigerian youths.