OKITIPUPA ( Sundiata Scholar) – (Ondo State), Nigerian students have been urged to pay more attention to their passions, innate abilities and potentials than their mere academic certificates to survive the current economic challenges.
Director-General of Ondo State Pension Commission (OSPENCOM), Hon. Babatiunde Adefusi-Owate, stated this during a lecture, organised for graduating students of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa on Friday.
reports that the lecture, held inside the multipurpose auditorium of the institution, had as its theme: “
Think Beyond School.”Adefusi-Owate said that being a graduate was supposed to be a mere stepping stone, maintaining that continuous skill enhancement and lifelong learning were crucial in the contemporary job market.“
There is a great value in becoming a specialist in one’s chosen domain.“
I urge graduates to establish distinct positions for themselves, pursue professional career advancement and concentrate on personal development, financial management and maintain a work-life equilibrium,” he said.
The director-general advised graduates to contemplate becoming entrepreneurs by registering their enterprises with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and operate within the legal boundaries.“Graduates should refine their communication skills, participate in capacity-building workshops, seminars, training sessions and obtain pertinent competency certifications.“
They should also foster a growth-oriented mindset, embrace challenges and construct a robust professional network,” he said.
Another speaker, Dr Adeyemi Adeyemo, of OAUSTECH’s Department of Biological Science, advised students to pursue careers that aligned with their interests and capabilities.
He also implored them to adopt what he called the “shape” principle, involving recognising their unique talents, following their instincts, identifying their strengths, understanding themselves and acquiring valuable experiences.
The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Segun Ayerin, congratulated the students and urged them to consider themselves fortunate to partake in such a transformative and defining programme.
Ayerin, represented by Mr Adegoju Owolabi, a Director in the ministry, urged the graduating students to explore and cultivate their unique gifts and talents as well as maintain a focus.“
Strive to be innovative problem solvers, conduct thorough research, think creatively, act decisively and be encouraged to make positive impacts on the world by offering your utmost,” Ayerim said.Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH and Chief Host, Prof.
Temi Ologunorisa, expressed gratitude to the students for their full participation in the programme.
Ologunorisa said that the purpose of the lecture was to equip them for life post-graduation, enabling them to have a clear sense of direction.
He appreciated the Olusegun Agagu University Leadership Academy (OAULA) Career Centre for coordinating the lecture.The vice-chancellor also informed the graduating students that the centre would provide instruction and exposure to essential 21st century skills.
The acting Director of OAULA career centre, Dr Cecilia Oluwamodupe, also graciously acknowledged the vice-chancellor for his unwavering support for the academy.
Oluwamodupe said that the centre had gathered seasoned professionals and experts who had traversed similar paths to share their post-graduation experiences. (NAN)