UI leaders urge graduates to build practical skills at 2026 career fair

According to Nigerian Tribune, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba, challenged Nigerian graduates to demonstrate more than academic qualifications to remain relevant in the workplace. Speaking at the 2026 UI Career Fair, held as part of the convocation and Foundation Day ceremonies, Olapegba stressed the need for adaptability, problem-solving skills, effective communication, and continuous learning.

He noted that changing employment trends driven by digital technologies require competencies beyond lecture halls. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simisola Akintola, called for stronger collaboration between universities, employers, and alumni to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace realities. Akintola also identified limited access to digital tools as a major barrier and expressed the university's readiness to partner with organisations to support student learning and career advancement.

Practical Support and Partnerships

The convener of the Career Fair, Dr Oluchi Maduka, disclosed plans to provide laptops to final-year students who do not own personal computers. Maduka stated that the masterclasses will continue into early 2027 to ensure career preparation is a sustained process. She also highlighted partnerships with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the German Academic Exchange Service to secure placements and international academic opportunities.

Dr Jeff Bordes, the Chief Executive Officer of Astral Learning, announced a partnership to establish e-campuses and disclosed that his organisation has 100 job openings available to Nigerians, with preferential consideration for students of the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University. Meanwhile, Mrs Nike Bajomo from Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited urged graduating students to cultivate a savings and investment culture early in life. Mrs Yewande Ige of Optimus Bank Limited encouraged graduates to explore business creation, while Prince Adebowale Falana Adebayo, represented by Mrs Kudirat Mustapha from the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, advised students to embrace internships, mentoring, and volunteering.