In a bid to make its students independent and employers of labour, the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) held its Vocational Skills Training (VST) exhibition programme on Friday.
The exercise took place in the school environment following months of training in different programmes.
It was an opportunity for the students to display their products and services for sale and assessment having gone through the process in their various departments which include blogging, make-up, catering and barbing.
Other units made available to the students are mobile photography, bead making, graphics design and shoe making.
Final year student and facilitator of bead making, Ogunlenu Lolade highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, stressing that it has helped her achieve financial independence.
Lolade also disclosed that her beading skills have been of great help as she is now capable of providing financial support for her parents.
“I have been able to attract new clients through customer referrals which have been paving the way for my business and allowing me to afford things that are once out of reach,” she added.
According to another finalist, Avonda Richard, who acquired barbing skills, the benefits of entrepreneurship cannot be overemphasized.
Richard said: “Even if I don’t secure my dream job immediately after graduation, I can establish something myself and generate a good income.”
He reiterated that the skills and knowledge gained from the training can serve as a valuable ‘side hustle’, even if he does find a job in his desired field.
The exhibition came to an end following the assessment of every products and services by the Head of VST programmes, Mrs. Bisi Bamishe – and she commended the students for their efforts.
