AKSU, DASAC move to tackle youth unemployment through skills development

Tony Okoh, Uyo

As part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and drive sustainable economic empowerment, the Chairman of the Governing Council of DAAKADA Skill Acquisition Center (DASAC), Isantim Churchill Udoh, has announced a proposed collaboration with Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) aimed at producing self-sufficient youths equipped to create jobs rather than seek them.

Udoh made the remarks while speaking with journalists moments after receiving his Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Education and Innovation.

He explained that the recognition accorded him was a product of his vision and interpretation of the DASAC concept.
He dedicated the award to God; former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who brought the vision to fruition; and the incumbent Governor, Umo Eno, who has ensured the smooth and seamless running of the facility, which yearly churns out skilled youths in various crafts.

He averred: “The work of a leader is to pick his people from where he found them and take them to where they are not expected to be, not necessarily where they want to be. Akwa Ibom State has been blessed with good leaders.”

According to him, “The establishment of DASAC has created great opportunities for our teeming youths in Akwa Ibom State to choose and receive certified training in various crafts ranging from fashion design, welding, agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, poultry, carpentry, automobile engineering, power generation from waste, and many others. Presently, over 300 youths are being trained by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on CNG vehicle conversion at the facility.”
While expressing gratitude on behalf of his compatriot awardees, Udoh thanked the institution for finding them worthy of the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in diverse fields at the combined 6th, 7th, and 8th Convocation Ceremony.

He added, “We have listened in amazement to the accomplishments of this young institution within just about 20 years of its existence. This is indeed a great exhibition of intellect and all-round distinction, for which we are proud to be associated. Well done, AKSU.”

“We wish to commit to this university and the audience that we shall be a positive addition and not mere statistics to the reputation and image of AKSU. We will also abide by the ideals and ethos of distinguished alumni as worthy ambassadors of this great institution.”

He assured that the honorary award recipients would lend financial and material support to the institution and contribute to projects or other forms of endowments that would be impactful and reputable.

At the combined 6th, 7th, and 8th Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University, a total of 3,836 students graduated, with 96 earning First Class Honours.

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