Talent Is a Gift; Don’t Leave School Looking for Jobs – NEIP CEO Eric Adjei Charges SHS Graduates
The real magic does not lie in the name of your certificates; your talent, creativity and entrepreneurial mindset can make you a job creator rather than a job seeker," the NEIP CEO tells students at the Ashanti Arts and Enterprise Summit
- NEIP CEO Eric Adjei urges students to transform their talents into businesses
- He challenges societal bias against creative arts and encourages young people to value their skills beyond academic certificates
- Students advised to embrace the SEED Programme, seek mentorship, and build enterprises from their God-given abilities
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr. Eric Adjei Esq., has urged Senior High School graduates to embrace their talents and entrepreneurial abilities, stressing that they should not leave school solely in search of employment but rather become creators of opportunities.
Addressing participants at the Ashanti Arts and Enterprise Summit themed “From Talent to Enterprise”, held at Kumasi Girls Senior High School and broadcast live on Lawson TV, Mr. Adjei described talent as an invaluable gift that no one can take away.
“Talent is a gift. It is that raw, beautiful spark. If you have your talent, no one can take it away from you,” he said.
He noted that NEIP is working to reshape the mindset of young Ghanaians by encouraging them to view entrepreneurship as a viable path to success.
To support this vision, Mr. Adjei revealed that NEIP has introduced a dedicated initiative for students known as the Student Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Programme (SEED).
“The SEED Programme is designed to ensure that you do not leave school looking for a job,” he explained. “Our core mandate is to guide you so that, as a nation, we all play our role in creating opportunities.”
The NEIP CEO challenged the societal tendency to elevate certain professions while undermining others, particularly in the creative arts sector.
He observed that within many families, students pursuing professions such as law are often celebrated more than those studying visual and creative arts.
“Be frank with yourself. When one child is studying law and another is pursuing visual arts, who is most recognised? The lawyer,” he said.
However, he stressed that every talent and profession has its value.
“At the end of the day, if there is no case for the lawyer to handle, the person with artistic skills will still be using those skills productively. Whatever is in you belongs to you,” he told the students.
Mr. Adjei further reminded students that certificates alone do not guarantee success.
“The real magic does not lie in the name of your certificates. Do you know the number of people with certificates in their bedrooms? Many of them are seeking jobs. Having a certificate is different from creating opportunities and doing something meaningful with your life,” he stated
He encouraged students in the visual and creative arts industry to take their craft seriously, emphasizing that they possess the capacity to employ themselves rather than depend solely on formal employment opportunities.
The NEIP boss also highlighted the importance of networking, mentorship, and building meaningful relationships.
“In life, before you get somewhere, you need someone to be there,” he advised. “Connect yourself well. Never pay too much attention to money. Seek guidance and mentorship from those in authority. It shouldn’t always be a cash mindset. They will teach you how to fish.”
Commending the students for participating in the summit, Mr. Adjei described their attendance as evidence of foresight and initiative.
“Many people see opportunities and walk away. This is an opportunity for you,” he said.
He assured participants of NEIP’s commitment to nurturing young talents through training, mentorship, and support.
“We stand completely ready to walk this path with you. We are committed to providing the training, mentorship and support necessary to ensure that your raw skills do not just end as imagination. We are ever ready to guide you and give you any assistance needed,” he affirmed.
