Scholar calls on federal government to tackle electricity shortage

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The Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, has called on the Federal Government to step up its investment to address the hurting epileptic power supply across the country.

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Prof. Ojediran emphasised the importance of a stable power supply to creating jobs, empowering the teeming Nigerian youth population, and ultimately enhancing the country’s economic prosperity and development through the growth of small and medium-scale businesses. The Vice-Chancellor, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Arisa, appealed during the unveiling of LearnSmart in Ota, Ogun State.

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Ojediran identified the need for the Federal Government to work assiduously in providing stability in power supply to reduce the number of companies folding up.

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He noted that companies cannot survive without a stable power supply, decrying the situation where entrepreneurs spend so much to purchase petroleum to power their generators due to the lack of a steady power supply.

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He said, “This idea of establishing a company and also sourcing or generating electricity by yourself is killing businesses across the country.

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“Also, that is the reason why many young people are leaving or travelling out because there is no sustainability in whatever they established.”

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Ojediran, however, added that getting the challenge of unstable power supply resolved would help create a strong backbone for the establishment of small and medium businesses and generate more employment opportunities that would drive national development.

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He added that the founder of LearnSmart is an alumnus of the institution who graduated with a first-class degree in mechanical engineering and that the university was committed to producing self-reliant graduates.

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The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LearnSmart, Mr Sanni Adedokun, listed three integrated pillars under which the tech company operates, including LearnSmart Tech Hive, SmartViews, and Smart’A’TETE.

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Adedokun said the company is working to support the Federal Government’s digital-literacy and CBT-transition agency by providing structured computer-based learning and certification programmes through their training centre, especially for students in public schools.

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He stated, “Our mission is to empower young Nigerians, especially students, graduates, women, and early-career professionals, with practical digital skills, innovative mindsets, and career pathways required to succeed in the 21st-century workplace.

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“We envision a world transformed by knowledge, where individuals are empowered to thrive through continuous learning and enlightenment.

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“Also, we train youth on cybersecurity and bridge the digital skills gaps through practical technology training with a target to train over 10,000 people in 2026,” he said.

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Adedokun said that the company also organised conferences to inspire people since it believes that with the right guidance and opportunities, individuals of all ages can drive meaningful change and unlock limitless potential in today’s evolving business landscape.

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He commended the Federal Government for its proposed plan to train three million technical talents but urged it to improve on infrastructural development to boost the digital economy across the country.

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The tech professional identified poor electricity, internet problems and the readiness of people to accept solutions built by others as major challenges

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