Saheed Ibrahim

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, has challenged the widespread belief that Nigerian graduates are unemployable.

She affirmed that graduates from higher institutions in Nigeria possess the skills and qualifications needed for employment.

Oladiji further noted that the ongoing ‘Japa’ phenomenon has highlighted the impressive skills and achievements of Nigerians who are excelling in their respective fields abroad.

Oladiji, who disclosed this during a press briefing to herald the combined 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of FUTA, lauded the student loan initiative, stressing that it offered a lifeline to those unable to afford their education.

According to the VC, the convocation slated for 29th and 30th November, 2024 will witness the graduation of 6405, with 519 graduands bagging First Class while 3408 students falling into the Second Class (Upper Division) category as well as 2139 clinching Second Class (Lower Division) and 339 within the Third Class rank.

Oladiji revealed that the convocation lecture with the topic ‘Technology Innovation: A Panacea to Food Insecurity’ will be delivered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

She said, “Instead of Nigerians lamenting the Japa issue, I believe we should look inward and challenge ourselves. For example, if there’s a task like cooking rice, and the only person capable of doing it is no longer available, someone else has to step up. In a way, this situation provides an opportunity for others to develop their skills.

“If we begin to see it this way, we can reduce the lamentation about people leaving. In the academic community, one of our distinguishing features is the high mobility rate of academics. From the inception of academia, mobility has been part of the profession—we go and return. The current issue is that many people no longer want to return. However, we are committed to upscaling individuals to take on roles.

“Regarding the student loan, this facility is available to any matriculated student in Federal Universities, polytechnics, and some colleges of education. I believe this programme complements government investments in education rather than replacing them.

“On employability, I disagree with the notion that Nigerian graduates are unemployable. If our graduates are unemployable, how are they securing jobs in various fields? Our doctors, nurses, ICT experts, and professionals in other fields are leaving the country, which indicates their employability. The real issue is the lack of industries and jobs.

“At FUTA, we are committed to producing graduates equipped with skills and entrepreneurial mindsets. Our students undergo practical training, such as CSP-201 (farming) and ENT-301 (entrepreneurial studies), which teach them how to think and act like entrepreneurs while acquiring hands-on skills. We also ensure that students receive certificates for their training to enhance their employability.”

Prof. Oladiji further stated that “In collaboration with the state government, we are advancing agricultural initiatives. For example, we are training communities on cultivating the F1 tomato variety and bell peppers. Some modules are offered free of charge because we believe in empowering Nigerians to produce food for themselves.

“In summary, our institution remains dedicated to addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and contributing meaningfully to national development.”