A Professor of Development Economics and former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of Ibadan, Professor Abiodun Bankole, has criticized employers for labeling Nigerian graduates as 'unemployable'. He attributes this perception to the abdication of responsibility by employers in contemporary society. Speaking at the graduation and send-off event of the 2025 cohort of the Next Gen Ideate (NGI) programme of the Forerunners Welfare Foundation (FWF) in Ibadan, Professor Bankole questioned why employers shy away from training fresh graduates.
Professor Bankole argued that employers should take responsibility for training fresh graduates before assigning them tasks. He noted that the label 'unemployable' implies that graduates cannot be employed at all. However, he emphasized that Nigerian-trained graduates excel when they travel overseas, suggesting that the problem lies with the employers. The event was attended by notable figures, including the General Secretary of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Professor Taofeeq Yekinni, and the National President of the University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates' Association, Alhajj Imran Abulmojeed.
The chairman of FWF, Dr Ibrahim Hammed, welcomed guests and highlighted the achievements of the 22 exceptional young individuals who graduated from the programme. He emphasized that they demonstrated resilience, accountability, and diligence. The graduates completed a rigorous training programme that prepared them for the challenges of the industry. Keynote lectures were delivered by a legal practitioner, Mr Abdurrahman Abiola Ahmad, and an engineer, Ibrahim Ande.
Mr Abdurrahman Abiola Ahmad's keynote lecture focused on building a career through cordial relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. He encouraged the graduates to explore opportunities, even in challenging situations. Ibrahim Ande's lecture highlighted the importance of soft skills in the industry, including the ability to manage pressure and crises, and effective communication.
The Chief Moderator of the Forerunners Welfare Foundation, Mr Muyiwa Tijani, explained that the organisation was established by Muslim graduates of the University of Ibadan to support less-privileged and younger generations of UI students and alumni. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills and become industry-ready.
Professor Bankole also advised students to be industry-ready and to have internships before graduating. He emphasized the need for students to stop expecting to start from the top and to be willing to learn and adapt. His remarks resonated with the graduates, who were eager to make a positive impact in their chosen careers.
The event concluded with a call to action for the graduates to make the most of the opportunities available to them. With the right skills and mindset, they are poised to succeed in their careers and make a meaningful contribution to society. The 'unemployable' label, Professor Bankole argued, is a challenge to employers to take responsibility for training and developing their employees.
Key points
- Employers should take responsibility for training fresh graduates.
- Nigerian graduates excel when they travel overseas.
- Students should be industry-ready and have internships before graduating.
