By Juliana Nwachukwu
The President, Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria, Mazi Samuel Ohuabunwa on September 5, stressed on the need for Nigeria to embrace and Internalize, as a matter of urgency, innovative and long learning into her human development strategies.
Ohuabunwa said this while delivering a key note address anchored on “Human Capital Development in the 21st century” during the maiden matriculation of Gozie Anyachebelu, (GOZPOLY) Polytechnic which equally incorporated as the first anniversary of the polytechnic, held at the Patterson International Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral Onitsha.
Describing innovative and life-long learning as variants of Human Capital Development concept, the guest speaker explained that the said development philosophy, as a learning phenomenon of the 21st century, ought to focus on the enhancement of skills, knowledge and the competence to drive upwards.
According to him, Human Capital Development must include digital literacy and soft skill development. It’s all about adaptability, resilience, diversity, equity and inclusion.
“These are the elements of Capital Development strategies we must focus upon if, ever, we want to catch-up with the developed world,” he remarked, adding, “This is the time to inculcate these mindsets into our students at all levels of learning.”
Ohuabunwa commended GOZPOLY for haven already adopted the innovative and the life-long learning models and encouraged the new students to take their studies seriously by adopting feasible academic time management, entreating them to always be punctual and regular to lectures.
Earlier, the Proprietor of the school, the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, had in a welcome address briefly narrated how the idea for the establishment of the institution was conceived and finally actualised.
He said , “The journey of this polytechnic started as a discussion on ‘What do we do’ to ensure that our youth are well equipped with relevant knowledge, technological and entrepreneurial skills that will help us reduce the high rate of unemployment in the society?”
Elated by how dramatically he said the idea gradually blossomed into a matriculating polytechnic a few months later, the bishop passionately appealed to the matriculating students to diligently imbibe the fear of God, hard work and persistence in their studies.
He advised them not to waste their time, to make the most effective use of their time in developing all the skills needed and assured them of quality training, saying “In a few years to come, you will become employers of labour”.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Engr Mrs Helen Above in her welcome address said that the institution was founded on the conviction that education must be practical, innovative and transformative.
“Our vision is to bridge the gap between academic theory and hands-on technological competence”, she said, noting that over 120 students had so far received scholarships for various programmes from different groups and individuals.
About 70 students matriculated while more than 16 who had earlier graduated within the inception period were given certificates on various entrepreneurship areas.
Anambra State Government was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Patrick Aghamba via the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Emeka Tony Omata.
Other personalities at the event included members of Gọzie Anyachebelu family, the legend whose name the institution bears, led by Dr Sir O. C. Anyachebelu.
The Vice Chancellor, University on the Niger, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, was also represented by the Dean, Faculty of Law of the institution, Prof. Obiọma Helen Onyi-Ogelle.
The Obi of Onitsha, Ìgwè Alfred Achebe, was represented by Osoma Afaa, Chief Surv. (Sir) Chika Oboli, while the Eze Okpoko the 2nd, Ìgwè Augustine Emelobe, was present, making a monetary donation and an offer of 10 scholarships to students of the polytechnic.
Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
