Al-Hikmah VC Urges Students to Embrace Opportunities Through Skills Development
The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji, has urged students of the institution to position themselves to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the country by acquiring relevant skills and preparing for future challenges.
Speaking at the maiden Distinguished Alumni and Industry Experts’ Engagement Forum organised for students of the Faculty of Management Sciences, the Vice-Chancellor noted that conventional job opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce, making it imperative for graduates to develop competencies that will distinguish them in the competitive labour market.
Prof. Oladimeji, who was represented by the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. A.O.Y. Raji, stressed that only graduates who are adequately prepared, innovative and skillful would be able to identify and harness emerging opportunities.
He explained that the forum was designed to broaden students’ career horizons and encourage early preparation through deliberate skill acquisition, professional networking, mentorship and continuous learning.
According to him, the university remains committed to providing an enabling environment that will equip students with the knowledge, skills and exposure required to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The Vice-Chancellor further challenged the students to be worthy ambassadors of Al-Hikmah University by developing entrepreneurial capabilities and becoming employers of labour rather than relying solely on increasingly limited white-collar job opportunities.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Saidat Onikosi-Aliyu, said the theme of the programme, “Transitioning from Campus to Corporate and Non-Traditional Career Pathways,” was carefully chosen to expose students to the diverse opportunities available beyond conventional employment.
According to her, while corporate employment remains important, students must also recognise the growing prospects in entrepreneurship, consultancy, professional services, creative enterprises, social innovation and other emerging career paths.
“The modern graduate must be prepared to apply knowledge across different contexts, respond to changing realities and contribute meaningfully to society through both conventional and non-conventional forms of work,” she said.
Prof. Onikosi-Aliyu described the engagement with alumni and industry experts as highly valuable, noting that alumni serve as living testimonies of the university’s achievements and important links between academic learning and professional practice.
The Dean added that the industry experts brought practical insights from the corporate world, entrepreneurship, public service and other professional sectors.
“Through their experiences, our students will gain a deeper understanding of employer expectations, career progression, professional conduct and the skills required to succeed in a highly competitive environment,” she said.
One of the guest speakers and industry experts, Mr. Makinde Araoye, Founder of Drudge Group and FMP, advised students to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, build meaningful professional networks, acquire marketable skills and strive for academic excellence.
In a major highlight of the event, Araoye donated N2.5 million to support skills acquisition initiatives within the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Other notable alumni and industry experts who addressed the students included the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni; Mr. Mu’utasim Yusuf, a finance professional in the public sector; and Mr. Ahmad Shehu Haruna, Acting Managing Director of Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company and Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor, among others.
The forum provided students with a unique opportunity to interact with accomplished alumni and industry leaders, gain practical career insights and explore pathways for personal and professional growth.
