The Bayelsa Government says it plans to build science and technical schools in the eight Local Government Areas of the state.
Gov. Douye Diri, disclosed this during an interactive session with Christian leaders at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said establishment of the technical schools was aimed at building the capacity of youths in vocational skills to make them self-reliant.
He emphasised the need to be abreast of global challenges, adding that the trend was that less emphasis was now being placed on only paper qualifications.
He said it has become imperative for youths to think outside of the box and channel their energies to profitable ventures rather than looking for white-collar jobs that are scarce.
Diri urged them to take a cue from his administration by venturing into agriculture, which was one of the main focus of his administration.
“We want to build science and technical colleges across Bayelsa. We will have them in all the local government areas.
“We want to de-emphasise certificate education so that our young ones can use their hands, learn skills and be employers of labour.
“Our focus is also on agriculture. We want our youths and women to be useful to them. This government is ready to support you.
“We want our young ones to go into business and to own farms. This government is ready to encourage you until you own your own farms”.
The governor noted that every member of the executive council had been directed to own a farm this year.
“We want to shift the focus from seeking too much of white-collar job education to vocational, science and technical education,” Diri said.
He added that the government would love the youths to be plumbers, tillers and painters, (NAN)