By Bukayo Agboluaje, IbadanÂ
The Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan {UI}, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; the Chief Executive Officer of EZ37 Solutions Limited, Adaora Ayoade and others, on Friday, called on the graduates of UI not to be afraid of failure but continue to invest in the improvement of their skills and capabilities in order to be relevant in the industry and the world.
They made the call during the Career Fair 2023 anchored by EZ37 Solutions Limited as part of activities marking the 2023 convocation and 75th Foundation Day ceremonies of the premier university. The career fair has the theme: “Global Careers: Navigating Opportunities Beyond Borders”.
Adeduntan, who is a product of the premier university, urged the graduates to be deliberate in building networks and continuously investing in themselves, saying emotional, physical, social and intelligence quotients { Four Qs} and aptitude and attitude{two As} are pivotal to their altitude.
The bank chief executive said: “Seeing that you have taken the first and most important step towards shaping your future, the rest should be a journey to self-discovery for you. Don’t be afraid to try and more importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. Always remember Lupita Nyong’o’s words that
‘It’s only when you risk failure that you discover things. When you play it safe, you are not expressing the utmost of your human experience’.
‘’It is important to identify your core skills, work values, ethics and especially where your passion lies. Carry out a SWOT analysis on yourselves to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and once you discover and define your authentic selves, channel all your energy to pursuing career paths that align with the future youenvision for yourself.
‘’This career fair is perfectly timed, and I believe it will be a good opportunity for you to explore and connect. Coming from someone like me who knows well the power of professional networking, take this as your cue to engage in meaningful conversations with people of similar interests and passions, ask questions where in doubt, present your elevator pitch to individuals and organizations of your interests, you may just be a conversation away from your dream job.
 ‘’I also encourage you not to undermine the importance of internships and boot camps.They are gaining popularity in today’s world and the benefits cannot be overemphasized.
“As a matter of fact, First Bank recently pioneered the first of its kind Technology Academy programme in Nigeria designed to meet the growing manpower requirements of the Bank as it evolves into a fully digitized financial services provider. All the 86 participants that successfully completed the programme has since been eased into various IT-related roles in the Bank, marking the beginning of a forward-looking career trajectory for them.
‘’I therefore enjoin you to be on the lookout for more of these programmes by First Bank accentuating our long-term commitment towards identifying, nurturing, and empowering young, passionate and talented Nigerians, and ensuring the overall development of human resources as a tool to nation building.
 ‘’I also encourage you to leverage the benefits of mentorship. Standing on the shoulders of giants and those who have trod the way before you can become an important compass as you navigate the labour market. Every lesson learnt will help you to build the resilience and GRIT you need to face the larger world. Nothing is beyond your reach.
‘’I implore you to explore the opportunities available at this fair with an open mind and even if you do not land your desired jobs, you have taken one step closer to your dreams. Keep your heads high up and as good ambassadors’’.
The vice chancellor, whose message was delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbosen {SAN}, reminded the graduates that organizations placed a great emphasis on skills and experience as well as past achievements of candidates.
The VC said: ‘’Success in a recruitment exercise has gone beyond the traditional mindset that an excellent grade guarantees employment. Many job seekers take a passive approach thereby failing to adequately prepare a strategy to distinguish themselves from other candidates. Standing out from the crowd of applicants is crucial to securing the job of your dreams. With numerous qualified candidates applying for the post, it is essential to differentiate yourself to catch the employer’s attention and leave a lasting impression.
‘’Organizations place a great emphasis on skills and experience as well as past achievements of candidates. Candidates need to also demonstrate adaptability and continuous learning, strong personal branding, display enthusiasm, passion and problem-solving skills’’.
The Chief Executive Officer of EZ37 Solutions Limited, Adaora Ayoade said today’s graduates must acquire marketable appropriate skills to be relevant in the marketplace and get opportunities.
She said: “Be well equipped with the right skills and continue to learn. Life is about ongoing learning. Organisations are looking for talents and skills. Skills, attitude and certificates are very important.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of EZ37 Solutions, Patricia Akinlotan, emphasized the need for the young people to acquire the right skills through coaching and right mentoring.
4 Comments
employability in this clime of digital revolution requires continue acquisition of further skills germane to home & industry applications.Trendy skills and avenues for contributions of your own unique quota …#GTJMST
there s no end to digital ups alibg of skills you identify will enhance your employability Unlike analog decades …there’s always an update how – to in every industry & organization …there s still room for your creativity as 21 st c applicant who s no intellectual & entrepreneursl capacities to work at home .
errata above post nb.I meant upscaling ….
Ref 10 Make 1stClass @PCU kudos & Best Wishes