By Wuraola Oyedokun
In a remarkable display of skill acquisition and personal development, the Royal Spices Academy in Ibadan, Oyo State, has graduated 71 students from its culinary training programme.
The event, held at the Lilies Event Centre, Apata,Ibadan, was a testament to the transformative power of vocational education. Royal Spices Academy is a sought-after school of catering and hospitality management located in Ibadan.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Registrar, Corporate Communications and Student Services, Lead City University, Ibadan, Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, underscored the vital role of skill acquisition in driving personal and national progress.
Owolabi highlighted how new skills could unlock better job opportunities, increase earning potential, and enhance an individual’s contribution to society.
The communication aficionado said: “Skill acquisition can lead to personal empowerment, boosting confidence and self-esteem, new skills can open up new career paths and opportunities for advancement and Individuals can adapt to changing job markets and stay relevant in their fields.
“A skilled workforce not only attracts foreign investment and stimulates economic growth, it will as well drive innovation that will lead to development of new industries and job creation thereby enhancing competitiveness in the global market.
“Thus, it is an indisputable fact that skill acquisition is a valuable investment for both personal and national transformation. It unlocks individual potentials and drives national progress, leading to a brighter future for all’’.
The public intellectual and public relations guru urged graduates not to rely only on their skills for sustainability, but to imbibe good character, positive attitude, self-development, building strategic relationships and pleasing appearance as important factors to achieving success in life.
The Deputy Registrar said: “While a skill is essential for success, it is not the only factor that guarantees achievement. Many talented and skilled individuals fail to reach their full potential due to lack of other essential qualities. Skill is the foundation, but it must be complemented by other vital elements to produce outstanding results.
“Skill is essential, but it is not enough. Combining skills with these additional qualities will unlock your true potential and lead you to remarkable success.”
Speaking, the Rector of the Royal Spices Academy, Dr. Olufunmi Adegbile, urged the graduates to focus on professionalism and embrace the challenges ahead. Adegbile stated that despite the economic situation, the demand for culinary skills remains high as event centres continue to thrive.
The rector said: “Your journey has been marked by growth, going forward, remember that the skills you have acquired are not only a means to succeed but also a foundation to become great entrepreneurs and productive members of society”
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Royal Spices Academy, Mr. Tunde Olaniyan, lauded the academy’s reputation for service delivery.
“Today we can proudly say that we are at the forefront of preparing people to serve Nigerians in the area of culinary arts and hospitality and we do hope that our graduates will continue to be good ambassadors of Royal Spices Academy”, he ssid
On his part, the Chairman of the academy, Dr. Tunde Adegbile, said to excel in life, one must combine good character , attitude, with the right skill set.
The event also featured a representative from the Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED), Mrs. Esan Williams, who charged other vocational training centers in the state to follow the academy’s lead by properly registering with the government and contributing to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
One of the graduates, Miss Enechaziam Nwakaego, described her experience as a worthwhile learning process, stating that the programme had made her a better chef.