In an increasingly competitive job market, Nigerian university graduates are facing a multitude of challenges. With a growing number of graduates and a limited number of available jobs, it is more important than ever for graduates to be innovative and think outside the box. In response to this challenge, the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association (UniPort) recently held a symposium aimed at equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workplace.
The symposium, titled “Making Nigerian University Graduates Innovative and Entrepreneurial,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, industry representatives, and policymakers. The event focused on a number of key issues, including the challenges of the job market, the importance of entrepreneurship, and the need for collaboration between academia and industry.
One of the main themes of the symposium was the need for Nigerian universities to do a better job of preparing graduates for the workforce. Many speakers argued that the current curriculum is too focused on theory and does not provide students with the practical skills they need to be successful in the real world.
“The Nigerian university system is not producing graduates that are employable,” said one speaker. “We need to focus on teaching our students the skills that employers are looking for, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.”
Another important theme of the symposium was the importance of entrepreneurship. With the job market becoming increasingly saturated, many experts believe that entrepreneurship is a viable option for many Nigerian graduates. The symposium featured a number of sessions on how to start and grow a business, as well as how to access funding.
“Entrepreneurship is a great way for young Nigerians to create their own jobs and be their own bosses,” said one speaker. “The government needs to do more to support young entrepreneurs, such as providing access to funding and mentorship.”
In addition to the focus on entrepreneurship, the symposium also highlighted the need for collaboration between academia and industry. Speakers argued that universities need to work more closely with businesses in order to ensure that their graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
“There is a big gap between academia and industry in Nigeria,” said one speaker. “Universities need to do a better job of working with businesses to develop curriculum and internship programs that will prepare students for the workforce.”
The UniPort Alumni Symposium was a valuable event that brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian university graduates. The symposium’s focus on entrepreneurship, collaboration between academia and industry, and the need for a more relevant curriculum is sure to resonate with many Nigerians who are concerned about the future of the country’s workforce.
Read more UniPort Alumni on: https://www.uniportalumniabuja.org/posts/
Source: https://leadership.ng/uniport-alumni-holds-symposium-to-make-varsity-graduates-innovative/
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