The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged students of the institution to make judicious use of every opportunity that presents itself in this increasingly competitive world.
Prof. Egbewole gave the admonition while declaring open the Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador (FUCA) career seminar, held at the University Auditorium, Tuesday.
The programme is currently being implemented at the University of Ilorin and 19 other universities across Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor, who spoke through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, encouraged the students, especially those approaching graduation to always make the best of opportunities aimed at supporting the University’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurial and independent graduates.
While addressing the challenges facing graduates, Prof. Egbewole said the dearth of employment opportunities is one of the biggest challenges confronting graduates especially in Nigeria, which is among the smallest economies in the world where majority of the country’s population are young people.
Prof. Egbewole, however, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunities available for the students. He said, “I am very excited about the opportunities that have come our way. We will engage our students to ensure they make the most of these opportunities and sustain a strong relationship with them. We look forward to seeing our students tap into these prospects.”
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting its students in achieving their goals, emphasising the importance of proactive engagement.
Speaking earlier, Ms. Zainab Ajadi, who represented Unilever Nigeria, said her organisation hopes to groom great entrepreneurs for future generations through the FUCA programme. She added that students have every opportunity to decide whether they want to be employees or employers of labour.
Also speaking, the representative of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Mr Bharat Kundra, said the FUCA programme, which is a joint initiative of UNICEF and Unilever Nigeria, seeks to prepare students for the professional world. He said, “Our goal is to reach 3 million Nigerian youths and equip 700,000 of them with the requisite skills by 2026 through various sessions that add great value to their professional journey”
The UNICEF official added that the launch of the FUCAP programme marks a significant step in empowering University of Ilorin students to become professionals equipped to navigate and excel in a competitive global landscape.
Joining the Vice Chancellor to declare the career seminar programme open were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Toyin Yakubu, among others.
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