From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
An educationist and a Professor of Social Science Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Joseph Onuoha has recommended a total overhaul of the education sector in the country for optimum performance.
Delivering the 219th inaugural lecture of the university titled “Where? Why? And How? Understanding the Socio-Economic problems of Nigeria,” at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium, Onuoha identified the development of entrepreneurial skills and the adoption of practical problem-solving approaches as the only way the education sector in Nigeria can impact the nation’s economy and society at large.
He therefore introduced a coinage he termed, “The ONUOHA Model,” a five-step approach to solving Nigeria’s multifaceted socio-economic problems as the panacea for education that could bring about sustainable development.
Recounting how he and his students severally applied problem-solving skills in bringing developments to several communities in Nsukka, other communities in Enugu, Anambra, Benue and Abia States while making practical sense of a course; Community Life and Development which he taught some years ago, Onuoha recollected how he divided his students into groups of fives or tens, tasking each group to identify one or two skills that can improve the well-being of a particular group in the society.
“First, with the students, we will source for resource person (s) who will teach the members of the group (students). In most cases, the resource person (s) is among the students. The second phase of the project is to identify a community and a particular group in that community, as said earlier, following our class discussions, to teach them the skills. Through this process, we have been able to impact many communities within Nsukka and its environs”, he disclosed.
He lamented that the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills is at its cradle in all levels of Nigerian education, noting that a large percentage of Nigerian graduates are not adequately equipped to confront the unemployment problem which has bedevilled the economy.
“Entrepreneurial skills play a crucial role in addressing graduate unemployment by shifting the focus from job creation. In an economy where formal employment opportunities are limited, entrepreneurship empowers graduates to harness their creativity, identify market needs, and develop innovative solutions. By fostering self-reliance, entrepreneurship enables individuals to build sustainable businesses, thereby reducing dependence on government jobs and corporate employment”, Onuoha stated.
Speaking further as part of measures to revamp Nigeria’s ailing economy, Onuoha recommended tax relief as one of the primary ways to foster opportunity creation and reduce the operational costs of businesses.
“When companies receive tax exemptions, deductions, or credits, they retain more capital, which can be reinvested in expansion, technology upgrades, and workforce development”, he insisted, adding that industry-related incentives, such as tax holidays, grants, and subsidies, further encourage entrepreneurship and investment.
Onuoha said when governments offer financial support or tax advantages to specific sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, they attract both local and foreign investors. “These incentives help startups and established firms overcome financial barriers, leading to the development of new industries and the diversification of the economy”, he added.
The guest lecturer further opined that tax relief measures such as reduced corporate income taxes or investment tax credits promote Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), which is a major driver of economic opportunity.
“Investors are more likely to establish businesses in regions where they can benefit from favourable tax policies”, he concluded.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof Oguejiofo Ujam represented by the Chairman, Senate Ceremonials Committee, Prof Chike Ofoebe eulogized the guest lecturer for his dexterity and numerous contributions to advancing knowledge and the academic community in particular.