Prioritize technical, vocational education - Former Cape Verde President to African Leaders

Former Cape Verde President Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, has called on African leaders to prioritize technical and vocational education to equip their youth with the skills necessary for economic emancipation. 

He said Africa continues to play second fiddle in global trade negotiations because of inadequate negotiation skills and emphasized that, unless there is a drastic change in educational systems across Africa, the continent will continue to face economic challenges. 

Mr. Pires was speaking on the second day of his 3-day lecture at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale. 

He emphasized that, "education has been a decisive priority for governments, they have focused on social progress, and accelerated sustainable socioeconomic development, therefore, progress, social and economic development, progressive transformation of African societies, requires priority investment in education at all levels, areas and specialties." 

The lectures organized by the UDS, is an annual event where the university brings distinguished former African Heads of State to share their experience and suggest some solutions to challenges confronting to continent. 

Mr. Pires is the sixth former head of state to deliver lectures since its inception. Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Festus Mogae of Botswana, Joaquim Alberto Chissano of Mozambique and Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba of Namibia are the other African leaders to have honoured the invitations.

STORY FILED BY: MURTALA ISSAH, GBC–RADIO GHANA.

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