Koladeisi University Hosts Inaugural Career Fair to Enhance Employability Skills
Koladeisi University of Ibadan (KDU-I) has successfully launched its first Career Fair in 2026, designed to prepare final-year students for the modern workforce. This initiative aims to provide students with essential skills, industry exposure, and entrepreneurial insights ahead of graduation.
Promoting Entrepreneurship and Digital Literacy
At the event, organized by the Department of Advancement and Alumni Relations, university officials urged students to embrace entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and employability skills to address the pressing issues of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria. Notably, the discussion highlighted the importance of vocational skills and soft skills in a rapidly evolving job market.
Shifting the Focus from Job Seeking to Job Creation
During a keynote address on “Entrepreneurial Skills and Entrepreneurship,” Dr. Jonathan Ikeorumba, an academic at Pan-Atlantic University’s Lagos Business School, emphasized the urgent need for a mindset shift among students—from seeking jobs to creating them. He pointed out that while there are not enough jobs currently available, Nigeria has the potential to foster approximately 50 million employable individuals.
Entrepreneurship as a Solution
Dr. Ikeorumba argued that fostering entrepreneurship is the most effective strategy to combat the country’s employment crisis. He encouraged students to view challenges as opportunities for innovation. “Every problem is an opportunity to build a business,” he stated, highlighting how technology simplifies the process of creating value.
The Essentials for Success in Business
He also stressed the importance of financial discipline, proper business planning, and continual self-improvement for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. Ikeorumba warned against impulsive spending and emphasized that effective marketing and communication skills are vital for personal branding in today’s competitive environment.
Adapting to the Digital Economy
Former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Adebola Ekanola, addressed the significance of employability in today’s job market. He explained that employability encompasses a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and attributes necessary for effective performance across various roles. Ekanola noted that as technology reshapes workplaces, students must acquire both digital and soft skills to remain relevant.
Insights from the New Vice-Chancellor Designate
Mr. Olajumoke Morenikeji, recently appointed as Vice-Chancellor of KDU-I, expressed that the Career Fair serves to connect students with industry professionals, thereby aiding their transition from academic learning to practical application. He emphasized that the program is thoughtfully designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among students, preparing them for the realities they will face after graduation.
Industry Participation and Future Prospects
Key industry partners at the event included Chapel Hill Denham, Leadway Assurance, and Stanbic IBTC, among others, enriching the experience for students. The career fair not only aims to inform students about industry standards but also prepares them for the challenges of the job market, ensuring they are well-equipped for their future careers. A number of university officials, including Registrar Haruna Adetu and various deans, attended the ceremony, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to fostering student success through innovative initiatives.
