Copyright tribuneonlineng
The University of Ibadan (UI), in collaboration with leading Nigerian industries, successfully hosted a career trade fair for students and graduates of the institution. The event, held at The International Conference Center, Ibadan, on Friday, was aimed at giving students real work experience, mentorship, and job opportunities to boost their employability. Speaking, the convener, Professor Olutoyin Fashae, stated that the event is borne out of the need for the fresh graduates and students of the institution to interact with industries in a bid to prepare them for the future. Fashae, who is also the Head of Department, Geography Department of the institution, noted that the event is also aimed at enlightening the students on what is expected of them when they are seeking for a job. She noted that the institution has a plan to integrate the industries with the institution’s curriculum whereby the industries teach the students on some aspects while the students are still in school. Fashae, however, urged participants to network, interact, and engage themselves, adding that some of the participants might use the opportunity to have a networking strategy by which they get a partnership job. “It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the University of lbadan Career Fair 2025, themed ‘Tech, Talent and Tomorrow: Preparing Nigerian Youth for Global Opportunities,'” she said. “This Career Fair has also become more than a meeting ground for job seekers and employers; it is now a networking hub; where students connect, collaborate, and grow together.” She appreciated the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, members of the planning committee, and all the companies and organisations represented, noting, “Your presence gives our students real exposure to industry expectations.” Finally, Fashae suggested that the university’s collaboration with industries should extend beyond this annual fair, proposing that professionals in top industries can be invited to teach specific course topics and mentor students, and that internship programs should be strengthened so graduates gain practical, hands-on experience before leaving the university. Speaking, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, stated that the fair embodies the institution’s shared commitment to empowering young Nigerians to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving global workforce. He said, “This year’s theme, ‘Tech, Talent and Tomorrow: Preparing Nigerian Youth for Global Opportunities,’ captures the essence of the transformation we seek; one where innovation meets education, and learning translates into employability and leadership.” He further explained that the event provides a unique platform for students to connect with top employers, explore internship and job opportunities, and build networks that will shape their professional futures. Adebowale also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry by ensuring that the university’s graduates possess not only knowledge but also the skills, creativity, and confidence needed to compete globally. “The world of work is changing rapidly, driven by technology and global interconnectivity. As Nigeria’s premier university, we are determined to ensure that our students are not just observers of this change but active contributors and global citizens,” he noted. In her remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, University of lbadan, Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, stated that the event is meant to empower the university’s graduates to emerge as creators of knowledge, drivers of innovation, and champions of inclusive development in a globalised economy. She noted that industries’ partnership with the University of lbadan exemplifies a shared belief that when youth advancement is enabled, a stronger nation is built and a more prosperous world. Bamgbose however urged students to embrace courage, adaptability, digital competencies, creativity, and a spirit of lifelong learning. She reiterated that this year’s theme, “Tech, Talent and Tomorrow: Preparing Nigerian Youth for Global Opportunities,” reflects a compelling truth, capturing the pulse of a world shape-shifting through innovation, which is the architect of modern economies. In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer, First Bank Plc, Olusegun Alebiosu, charged students on hard work, adding that talent without hard work will be underutilised. Speaking on the topic, “Tech, Talent and Tomorrow,” he noted that the topic is a call to action, adding that technology rewards creativity and talent. Alebiosu, who was represented by his technical adviser, Akinsope Roberts, stated that the pace of innovation is faster than it has ever been before, but over the next decade the pace of innovation will move faster, where people will have to stay close to the time. He noted that talent is about what you learn, unlearn, and relearn, adding that talent can also be used with discipline, while describing talent as the currency of tomorrow. Alebiosu further urged the students on actualizing their leadership potential, adding that leadership is the bridge between talent and opportunity. He however urged the students on punctuality and being resilient in achieving success. He said, “the youths of Nigeria are not the leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today, especially when you look at your population dynamics, the world is waiting for your ideas, your innovations, your impact, so rise embrace the challenge, hold your talent and step boldly into tomorrow.” He added, “In 2030 Africa will have the largest workforce in the world; it is indeed a blessing and at the same time a responsibility to equip ourselves as a continent and particularly as a nation, Nigeria will not just be participating locally but at the same time in the global economy.” The organisations that participated included First Bank, Aradel Holdings, GB Foods, Dangote Group, MTN Nigeria Telecommunications, Airtel Nigeria Telecommunications, among others.
