On Thursday, the management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, Ogun State, launched a Career Centre aimed at tackling the high unemployment rates plaguing Nigeria. The unveiling event was led by the institution’s Rector, Adeoye Odedeji, who noted that the initiative was in compliance with a recent directive from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This directive was established during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where it was emphasized that the centre’s primary role would be to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. Odedeji underscored the pressing need for such an establishment in light of increasing unemployment, attributing the crisis to existing skill mismatches among graduates.
The Rector highlighted the troubling phenomenon where graduates enter the job market with impressive qualifications but lack essential skills demanded by employers. Odedeji elaborated on the reasons behind this mismatch, attributing it to a lack of proper access to information, guidance, and services during students’ academic journeys. He delineated the mission of the newly launched Career Centre, which is to equip graduates with the necessary skills that will enable them to succeed professionally, whether by securing employment or becoming entrepreneurs themselves. His vision encompassed a holistic approach where every academic program aligns with the professional skills necessary for real-world success.
Further elucidating on the initiative, Odedeji stated that the Career Centre’s objectives align with various ongoing efforts within the institution, including the Centre for Skill Development and the Centre for Entrepreneurship. By co-locating these entities, he envisioned the centre becoming a multifaceted “skill hub” that could effectively cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit while simultaneously fostering employability among students. In a collaborative spirit, Odedeji encouraged the leaders of the three centres to work together to eliminate the challenges posed by skill mismatches, aiming for a cohesive strategy that would connect students’ fields of study with actual job opportunities available in the market.
Shola Adeosun, the inaugural Director of the Career Centre, spoke about the centre’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis while promoting academic excellence. He stressed the importance of students and alumni engaging with the centre’s resources to mitigate job deficits. Adeosun remarked that the centre was a TETFUND initiative, and its overarching goal would be to brainstorm solutions that would catapult graduates toward successful career paths. He further communicated the significance of the centre’s mission, vision, and objectives—set to herald a new chapter in academic and career preparedness at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
The establishment of the Career Centre is especially timely, considering Nigeria’s struggles with high unemployment rates among youth and recent graduates. Many of these individuals face challenges that stem not only from a lack of job availability but also from insufficient preparation during their academic studies. By creating a space where students can access career guidance, skill development, and entrepreneurial training, the Polytechnic steps forward as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of reducing unemployment. Both Odedeji and Adeosun are committed to establishing a dynamic and responsive education-to-employment pipeline, enabling the institution to play a crucial role in the local and national economies.
In conclusion, the launch of the Career Centre at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic marks a proactive and strategic effort to combat unemployment and enhance employability among graduates. The Rector and the Director jointly emphasized that addressing the skills gap is essential in reshaping the academic landscape to meet market needs. As students begin to leverage the offerings of the Career Centre, it holds the potential to transform educational experiences, align them with industry demands, and ultimately foster a generation of competent and job-ready graduates who are capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth. Through the collaborative efforts of these diverse centers, the Polytechnic aims to become a model institution that addresses the disconnect between education and employment.
