Professionals task government on Human Capital Development

By Abimbola Mohammed

Nigerian government has been charged to invest in human capital development for economic prosperity. This was stated at the fireside chat of the public lecture organized by the Centre for Financial Journalism on Thursday, at the Civil Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

While dissecting the Bullion Lecture 2024 titled: Human Capital Development as Catalyst to Nigeria’s Prosperity, delivered by Professor Florence Banku Obi, Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, the panelists maintained that as a nation, we must consciously and intentionally begin to build our human capital, deploy strategies that will harness the full potentials of Nigeria’s human capital poll.

Responding to questions from the audience, professor Obi stressed that revitalizing the education sector, investing and founding education, promoting skill development and vocational trainings, building local talents and creating suitable socio-economic conditions as well as founding research will go a long way in enhancing Nigeria’s prosperity.

“When we are talking about education and government is telling us they have budgeted N1.54 trillion for education, what they need to understand is that the money is just budget. What they should really be looking at is the investment in human capital, education, and infrastructure. All of these translate to investing in quality education that will strike a balance,” she said.

In the same vein, Professor Ademola Tayo, who chaired the Public Lecture, revealed that investment in education is key to human development and the only way the country can witness prosperity. The Babcock University’s Vice Chancellor tasked the Nigerian government to consider human capital development a priority.

Also in her view, Kanyinsola Mba, Head of Human Capital Management, Oando Energy Resources, stated that Nigerian greatness is not in its natural resources but in its people who are talented, hardworking and dedicated.

According to her, investment in them through quality education, vocational training, manpower development and others is the greatest investment that can usher-in prosperity for the country.

Similarly, Mr. Tim Akano, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizon, believes that Nigeria will be a great country if government can harness its human resources.

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