pannigeriannews 
The University of Ilorin in Kwara has partnered 21 organisations to launch and expand skills acquisition programme for the students of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, made this known on Wednesday in Ilorin at the inauguration of the Unilorin Innovative Skills and Pioneering Entrepreneurship (U-INSPIRE) Award.
Egbewole explained that U-INSPIRE was a new apprenticeship model that would accommodate both undergraduate and postgraduate students, which would be run in partnership with the 21 organisations.
He stated that the initiative would expand students’ skills acquisition programme beyond the courses run by the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre (TEC) for its undergraduate students.
“Both undergraduate and postgraduate students of the university will be prepared for the future world of work through U-INSPIRE.
“In the Western world, students and non-students engage in multiple jobs; so the UNILORIN certificate will empower students, while the skills will further empower them to utilise their certificate better.
“The importance of skills acquisition in relation to theoretical knowledge is like the difference between learning how to drive a car in the classroom, and getting on the road to learn,” he said.
Egbewole urged the students to own the programme by participating actively in the initiative for an assured future.
Earlier, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh, the Chairman of the U-INSPIRE Committee, said that the programme forged the partnership between the university and the industry.
“U-INSPIRE bridges the skill gap to make graduates ready for the industry, it helps them to be innovative and become entrepreneurs through soft skill acquisition, internship and entrepreneurship.
“The programme will also create an avenue for mentorship that avails students with practical skills and exposure that will help them thrive in a competitive world as job creators,” he said.
He also said that the success of the programme was dependent on continued support from all stakeholders.
