5 Skills You Can Learn As We Celebrate World Youth Skills Day
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- August 2, 2022
On the 14th of February this year, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, widely known as ASUU, embarked on an indefinite strike. This time next week makes it half a year since then, and absolutely nobody has a clue when students will return to school. This is not a rare sight, however. As a matter of fact, the union has embarked on strike 16 times since 1999. It is almost as if experiencing a period of strike is a rite of passage for anyone who dares to pass through the government education system.
We would say “focus on the positives,” but we understand just how difficult that is. However, it looks like the only option helpless undergraduates have. After all, we must learn to make lemonade whenever the government throws lemons at us. In that light, a few young people have taken advantage of the time-out to develop one skill or another. To celebrate World Youth Skill Day this month, here are five skills you can learn with a good return on investment.
1. Become A Tech Bro
Odun Eweniyi, Co-founder Piggyvest
You must have heard “tech bro” around. That is because every day, more and more people are populating the tech industry. Can you blame them? Some might say tech is the new oil. They have not told a lie; it is one of the most lucrative industries in the world. And you don’t even need to learn how to code. Programs such as Product Design and Product Management require zero coding knowledge. Take that step today.
2. Pretty Hurts, But Beauty Pays
Banke Meshida Lawal
The beauty industry has been around forever and is not going anywhere soon. People must look pretty, so there will always be a market for it. You can learn to wear people their makeup professionally; be a makeup artist. The better you get, the higher your rates. And the best part is it’s not a profession strictly for the ladies.
3. Style Your Way To Success
Ohimai Atafo Founder of Mai Atafo
Just like the beauty industry, fashion is another industry that will never go into extinction. In fashion, you can either learn to sew apparel from scratch or how to style it. Channel your inner creativity and run with it.
4. Try A Vocational Skill
Sandra ‘Lady Mechanic’ Aguebor
For so long, vocational education has taken a backseat to formal education. In Nigeria, a silent stigma is placed on handiwork such as auto mechanic or carpentry. However, having these skills handy is a privilege. Don’t worry; the world won’t end if you change into an overall and crawl under a car to fix it. With proper branding—thanks to the little education and exposure you’ve garnered—you can do tremendous things fixing generators. Register to a vocational school today.
5. Improve Your Digital Presence
Noble Igwe
Last month, we discussed influencer marketing and society’s perception of it. Trust us when we tell you that it is a viable career path. But you must do the groundwork. To become an influencer, you must have a vast knowledge of your chosen niche. However, knowledge will not come to you out of the blue. You can start by breathing whatever you plan to influence people on. Learning several digital marketing skills will also give you an edge. Start your journey today.
Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.
