The Headmistress of Ola Senior High School, Beneficta Agbezudor, has underscored the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a practical pathway to economic freedom, youth empowerment and national development.

She made the remarks as the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony of 21 students of the Venadash Institute of Decorative Arts.

Madam Agbezudor noted that unlike the past when girls and women were largely denied access to formal education and pushed into informal trade learning, today’s era offers improved opportunities for structured technical education.

According to her, vocational education focuses on hands-on training that equips learners with employable skills, rather than purely theoretical “grammar education” that often leaves graduates unemployed.

She explained that technical and vocational education trains the head, hands and heart of the learner, preparing them for industry, self-employment and community service.

Graduates, she said, are positioned to work in established industries, create their own businesses as entrepreneurs, or render valuable services that benefit their communities.

Madam Agbezudor cited entrepreneurship success stories, including the founder of FC Beauty Clinic, who started product development from her mother’s kitchen and later built a large factory employing many people. She described such achievements as clear evidence of how vocational education transforms lives and creates wealth.

Touching on youth unemployment, the headmistress lamented that many individuals who completed formal education over a decade ago still roam the streets in search of jobs. She stressed that TVET provides young people with practical skills that make them self-employed, reducing dependence on government and families, while shielding them from social vices such as crime, drug abuse and prostitution.

She further encouraged graduates to continuously upgrade their skills beyond NVTI Levels I and II by exploring higher technical institutions and universities, adding that perseverance, hard work, discipline and faith are essential for success.

“Without commitment and diligence, education becomes a wasted investment,” she cautioned.

Madam Agbezudor also highlighted the broader national benefits of vocational education, explaining that it eases the burden of unemployment on government and communities. She said current government job creation programmes are aimed at empowering the youth with skills to become self-reliant, employ others and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Director of Venadash Institute of Decorative Arts, Venunye Afi Adugu, emphasised the institution’s commitment to practical-based training. She noted that Venadash combines theoretical instruction with intensive hands-on practice, insisting that students learn by active participation.

Madam Adugu appealed to parents, guardians and prospective students to consider Venadash as a first-choice institution for acquiring creative and vocational skills.

She also called on government and stakeholders to support technical and vocational institutions as a deliberate strategy to reduce unemployment and promote sustainable economic growth.