Enugu student leaders to get free skills training

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Student leaders across higher institutions in Enugu State are to benefit from free vocational training under a partnership between The Potter’s Wheel Foundation (TPWF) and the Council of Students Union Government (COSPEN), Enugu State chapter.

The initiative is aimed at equipping student leaders with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and leadership qualities that will help them create additional sources of income and prepare for life beyond campus.

The partnership was struck at the maiden COSPEN Leadership Conference, held at the International Conference Centre, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

The conference, themed, “Leadership without borders: Building a strong network of student leaders in Enugu State,” brought together past and serving Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidents, government officials, entrepreneurs, development partners, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

COSPEN Chairman, Odilichukwu Onuzulike, said the free skills-training initiative was designed to complement formal education and expose students to practical opportunities that could become sources of livelihood.

He disclosed that through the partnership with TPWF, a national youth-and-community-focused organisation known for its vocational training and empowerment programmes, practical skills would be taken directly to students across higher institutions in the state.

Onuzulike said some of the skills could be acquired within a few hours or a day, giving students an opportunity to develop additional income streams while pursuing their education. He said the initiative was also part of a broader effort to redefine student leadership and prepare young people for responsible roles beyond campus politics.

“The proposed free skills-training initiative was, therefore, designed to complement formal education by exposing students to practical opportunities that could become sources of livelihood,” he said.

“It is a call for student leaders to move beyond the traditional boundaries of campus politics into entrepreneurship, public service, community development, skills acquisition, and responsible citizenship.”

Onuzulike stressed that student leadership should not end with the expiration of SUG tenure but should serve as preparation for leadership in government, business, and community development.

The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, represented by Edeani M. Edeani, urged student leaders to see themselves as future policymakers, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and nation-builders.

Member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chima Obieze, also emphasised responsible leadership, service, and commitment to community development.

The conference featured a panel discussion on entrepreneurship, personal development, drug abuse, and youth development, with contributions from entrepreneurs and representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

COSPEN also honoured Governor Peter Mbah, Onyia, Obi Okeke, Kelvin Okeke, Prisca Okeke Gbamilar, Mark Onuoha, and Dan Anike, among others, for their contributions to student development, youth empowerment, and community service.

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