By Peter Adelowo
Newly elected Global President of the Federal Government College Warri Old Students’ Association (FEGOCOWOSA), Dr. Godwin Amobi Alo expressed optimism that the newly introduced educational policy would address the challenge of unemployment in the country.
Speaking shortly after his election, he argued that the new educational policy which lays emphasis on integration of technology, vocational training, and a shift towards skill-based education would solve the manpower needs of the country.
He said it is unfortunate that the vast majority of school graduates are not employable because they lack requisite skills needed in the labour market.
“It’s sad that most of our artisans are not well schooled. The situation is worsened by the fact that our graduates cannot offer basic services like plumbing, automobile mechanic and electrician, tiling, and catering services because over the years our schools placed more emphasis on certificate acquisition over skills acquisition”
“With the new policy, I believe we would be the path of overcoming the challenge of youth unemployment in a few years from now,” he said
Alo’s election as the new Global President of FEGOCOWOSA on Saturday 22nd February marked the end of the George Uriesi led executive.
Other officers elected include-
Andrew Amadasun – Vice President, Esosa Igbineweka – Secretary, Oshevire Doghor – Asst Secretary, AbdulHameed Ashara – Financial Secretary , Valentine Oribhabor – Publicity Secretary, Timeyin Baiyekusi – Legal Adviser, Osaretin Uhuangho – Treasurer, Iroro Umukoro – Internal Auditor, and George Uriesi – Ex Officio and IPP
Alo has a very strong professional and extra professional experience.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, a Master of Science Degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree both in Applied Geophysics.
Until his election as Global President, he was the Global Vice President of Federal Government College Warri Old Students Association (FEGOCOWOSA) and had served as the Chairman, FEGOCOWOSA), Abuja Branch.
He also served for four years as the President of the PESCUNNA Foundation established by his Class of 1990 of Federal Government College, Warri.
He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, (NMGS), served as the General Secretary of the NMGS and currently serves in the Executive Committee of the NMGS as the Chairman of Awards Committee. He is a ‘Registered Geoscientist’ by the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists of Nigeria (COMEG), Member, Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) and Member, Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).
He is also a Member, Board of the African Centre for Mineral Exploration and Development (ACMED). He is a thoroughbred geosciences and mining professional and currently works with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency.
In his acceptance speech the Global President promised to uphold the cherished ethos and ideals of FEGOCOWOSA. He assured that the new EXCO would do all within its power to move the association forward and see to its growth and progress.
Past Presidents of the prestigious association include Engr. Elens Eigbokhan, Sir Jasper Nwachukwu (late), Albert Okumagba (late), Engr. Tata Messiri, Dauda Iliya, Akinwunmi Ambode, Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu (late), Mrs. Maureen Akpofure-Awobokun and George Uriesi.
