We’ll tackle youth unemployment — Jonathan

HAVING observed the high rate of unemployment in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government is determined to tackle youth unemployment in the country. He made the statement in his address at the second day of the graduation ceremonies of the University of Ilorin.

President Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau stated that as part of the strategy to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria, the President has inaugurated a Board for the creation of three million jobs nationwide annually, adding that the bold step will reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

He also revealed that FG in the current year has released N3 billion through Tertiary Education Fund, TETFUND, and the Federal Ministry of Finance, to revitalise the University as captured by the NEEDS Assessment Report, for upgrade of libraries, laboratories, building of hostels and lecture theatres.

The Minister also noted that FG has instituted the Presidential Scholarship Scheme for innovation and development, to develop a critical mass of professionalism who would serve as catalyst of change and agents of scientific, technological advancement and sustainable economic development.

Shekarau on behalf of the President commended and congratulated the University for its Notable Achievements, especially in recent ranking as the best University in Nigeria, the 20th in Africa and No 1842 in the world. He said the University’s achievements were the products of the University “focused mission, peace, orderliness and stability on its campus.