As the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike deepens, students have begun to learn job skills to keep busy during the period.

Lius Imah, a political science student at the University of Abuja, said he decided to learn tailoring, thinking it would be useful for him in the future.

Imah said that by all indications, the ASUU strike could likely take longer than necessary as both sides seemed uninterested in compromising.

“Since we cannot know when the strike will be called off, I will advise other students not to sit at home doing nothing, but to engage in activities that will benefit them in the future.

“There are many skills to choose from, from fashion design, makeup, shoemaking, baking and many more.

“Don’t sit at home, engage in something meaningful,” he said.

Miss Victoria Eku, a phone dealer and student at the University of Abuja, said professional skills would continue to grow as millions of students choose them, to create a plethora of formal opportunities.

“Young people realize the value of having skills and spend time preparing to turn those skills into business income and self-reliance.

According to her, it is not a question of money but of pleasure that they derive from practicing these skills.

“Professional jobs are perfectly respectable; even training is now at the center of the university curriculum. Although it is seen as a road to recovery for a fragile education in Nigeria.

“No student has an excuse to stay on the streets or be idle,” he said.

Mr. Deji Ayodele, an intern and student at the University of Lagos, said the Nigerian economy was changing, creating a plethora of challenging, well-paying and highly skilled jobs for those with the skills needed for the jobs. make.

“Many of the jobs available today can be obtained through apprenticeship, on-the-job training and vocational training programs. They don’t need expensive four-year degrees and non-existent work experience.

“Students can work for themselves and create jobs for others in the current education debacle in the country,” he said.

Deji advised young people to learn a skill, such as carpentry, welding, masonry, plumbing, especially college or polytechnic.

Emmanuel Effiong said he turned to professional jobs following the ASUU mandatory strike.

“I was stuck at home, not studying, and started looking for how to fill my free time. Learning a skill was helpful in supplementing the pocket money I get from my parents.

“I will continue my activity even when the strike ends and classes resume. I will have to find a balance between school and my work,” she said.