If Everyone is Learning a Tech Skill, Who Will Do the Handiwork? Here is SUWK's Balanced Approach

In Nigeria today, there's a growing buzz around tech skills. From coding bootcamps to digital marketing courses, it seems like everyone is rushing to acquire the latest digital skill. And for a good reason the tech sector is booming, offering exciting opportunities for innovation and employment.

But amidst this tech frenzy, we risk overlooking a crucial question: if everyone is learning to code, who will do the handiwork that keeps our society running? At SUWK Technologies , we believe that a balanced approach to vocational education - one that values both tech and traditional trades - is essential for building a diverse, resilient economy and a functioning society.

Let's take the example of Ebere, a bright young woman from Aba. Ebere had always excelled in math and science, and dreamed of becoming a software engineer. She enrolled in a coding academy, eager to make her mark in the tech world.

But as she ventured into her studies, Ebere realized that her true passion lay elsewhere. She had always enjoyed working with her hands and had a knack for fixing mechanical issues. With encouragement from a SUWK alumni, Ebere decided to pivot her training to focus on automotive repair.

Today, Ebere works as successful auto mechanic, providing a critical service to her community and coaching several other young people. Her story illustrates a key point: while tech skills are valuable, they are not the only path to a fulfilling and impactful career.

In fact, as highlighted in a recent report by PwC Nigeria, the country is facing a significant skills gap in traditional trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electrician work. This shortage not only hinders the smooth functioning of our cities and towns, but also presents a missed opportunity for youth employment.

As more and more people rush to acquire tech skills, there's a risk of saturating the market and overlooking the vital importance of traditional trades. As the African proverb goes, "The hands that make the pots are just as valuable as the hands that write the poems."

By providing a balanced array of options, we aim to empower youths to pursue careers that align with their passions and talents, while also meeting the varied needs of their communities. After all, a society needs software developers, but it also needs builders, makers, and fixers the hands-on problem solvers who keep our physical world functioning.

This balanced approach also recognizes the reality that not everyone thrives in a tech-centric learning environment. Some students shine when they are working with their hands, learning by doing and seeing tangible results and I have seen this a lot in my journey.

Moreover, in a rapidly automating world, the skills of handiwork are becoming increasingly rare and valuable. As machines take over more routine tasks, it's the human touch, the creativity and problem-solving abilities of skilled artisans that will set businesses and economies apart.

I believe this holistic approach one that blends technical and entrepreneurial skills is key to enabling a skilled workforce that can drive Nigeria's growth and development.

Of course, this doesn't mean that tech skills aren't important. They absolutely are, but we cannot let the tech wave overshadow the vital importance of traditional trades.

I am on a mission, which is to nurture this diversity of talents and to provide Nigerian youths with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers and contribute to our nation's development, whether they aspire to be tech entrepreneurs or skilled artisans.

So to all the young people out there wondering where you fit in Nigeria's future - know that your unique talents and passions have a place. Whether you dream of building apps or buildings, websites or water systems, there is a path for you.

And to our policymakers, business leaders, and fellow educators - let us work together to build a skilled ecosystem that values and nurtures the full spectrum of Nigerian’s potentials. Let us champion a balanced approach to vocational education - one that recognizes the vital role of both tech and traditional trades in driving our nation forward.

Together, we can skill up a generation of innovators, makers and master craftspeople.

With this approach, we can build a Nigeria that thrives on the diversity and dynamism of its greatest resource - its people.

I hope it was worth your time.

Yours Truly,

Chito