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Graduates voice frustrations, anger over job market challenges

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By Sodiq Adelakun

The scourge of unemployment in Nigeria has reached pandemic proportions, with over 500,000 graduates annually joining the ranks of frustrated job seekers.

These graduates are now raising their voices in collective frustration, highlighting the myriad challenges they face in securing employment in a fiercely competitive job market.

Amidst the promise of higher education in Nigeria, a growing number of graduates express profound disappointment as the reality of joblessness grips the nation’s workforce.

In separate interviews with Nigerian NewsDirect, these individuals shed light on their struggles to secure employment aligned with their fields of study, highlighting systemic failures and a pervasive sense of disillusionment with the Nigerian education system.

The prevalence of unemployment among graduates has become a pressing concern, with university world news records indicating a staggering 600,000 graduates churned out annually.

This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for reforms to address the widening gap between education and employability.

Adekunle Micheal, a graduate of Computer Science from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), found himself navigating the streets as a cobbler after years of fruitless job searches in his chosen field.

Despite the initial disheartening experience, Micheal embraces his new vocation with determination, underscoring his adaptability in the face of adversity.

He said, “Initially, I felt disheartened and frustrated after years of searching for a job in my field. However, I’ve come to embrace my new path as a cobbler with determination and resilience. Every step I take in this journey is a testament to my adaptability and willingness to make the best of any situation.”

Similarly, Ayoade Dupeola, a graduate with a Mass Communication degree from D.S Adegbenro Polytechnic, recounts his frustration at being repeatedly denied opportunities in his field.

Forced to settle for a teaching position, Dupeola condemns the systemic failures that thwarted his aspirations, labelling it a betrayal of his hard work and dedication.

Olaoye Habeeb, a first-class graduate in Business Administration, echoes the sentiment, lamenting the lack of recognition for graduates’ talents in Nigeria’s employment system.

Finding solace in music, Habeeb charts his path to fulfilment, rebelling against traditional career trajectories constrained by societal norms.

According to him, “It’s a shame that Nigeria’s employment system fails to recognise and utilise the talents of its first-class graduates. Embracing my passion for music is my way of reclaiming control over my future and finding fulfillment outside of traditional career paths.

“So, what is the essence of going to school in Nigeria higher institutions when jobs are not guaranteed or is there something wrong with the syllabus and why are graduates not employable.”

As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reports annual participation of no fewer than 400,000 graduates, the scheme serves as both a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s youth.

Despite its efforts in promoting national integration, the NYSC’s endeavours pale in comparison to the magnitude of the unemployment crisis, leaving graduates grappling with an uncertain future.

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Education

Kwara Govt warns against illegal charges for Common Entrance exam

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The Kwara State Government has warned principals of Junior Secondary Schools and head teachers of primary schools across the state against illegal charges for the state placement examination (Common Entrance).

Any violator will face the full wrath of the law, the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, warned on Tuesday in her office in Ilorin.

She emphasized that the common entrance is free and government will not tolerate anyone or group of people extorting money, under any guise, from the pupils because the examination is fully sponsored by the state government.

Hajia Modibbo Kawu urged the principals and head teachers to desist from all acts that could dent the image of the state government.

She also cautioned them against aiding and abetting examination malpractices, stating that the present administration has zero tolerance for examination malpractices.

The commissioner implored the parents and guardians of the pupils to report any principal or head teacher with suspicious acts to her office directly, reiterating that her office is open to everyone.

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Education

UNILORIN appoints 40 new Professors

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By Saka Laaro, Ilorin

The University of Ilorin has announced the promotion of 40 of its senior academics to the rank of Professor.

The elevation, which was approved by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, was sequel to the recommendations of the University Appointment and Promotion Committee.

A statement from the Office of the Registrar said that the 40 distinguished scholars were found to have excelled in the realms of teaching, research and community service and subsequently promoted to the highest rank obtainable in the academia.

The breakdown of the beneficiaries of the promotion exercise shows that 11 of the new Professors are produced by the Faculty of Agriculture and they are Prof. Sidiqat A. Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, Prof. L. L. Adefalu,Prof. F. O. Takim and Prof. A. A. Badmos.

Others are Prof. Foluke E. Sola-Ojo, Prof. W. A. Jimoh, Prof. M. I. Abubakar, Prof. T. H. Aliyu, Prof. R. O. Uddin II, Prof. T. O. Amusa and Prof. Mutiat A. Balogun.
From the Faculty of Arts are Prof. K. M. U. Gbodofu, Prof. Y. A. Abdullahi, Prof. Abosede R. O. Babatunde, Prof. Bolanle E. Arokoyo, and Prof. P. U. Nwosu while the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences produced Prof. A. S. Alabi, who teaches at the Department of Anatomy.
Two Lecturers from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences were also elevated to the rank of Professor and they are Prof. T. O. Olanrewaju and Prof. O. A. M. Adesiyun.

The Faculty of Communication & Information Science also produced two new Professors through Prof. Tinuke O. Oladele and Prof. Saudat S. Abdulbaqi while those promoted from the Faculty of Education are Prof. O. O. Okoji, Prof. Folakemi O. Adeniyi-Egbeola and Prof. Florence O. Daramola

From the Faculty of Engineering and Technology are Prof. A. T. Ajiboye, Prof. A. Y. Abdulrahman, Prof. M. O. Sumonu, Prof. Rasheedat M. Mahamood and Prof. T. K. Ajiboye.

The Faculty of Law produced one new Professor in the person of Prof. A. C. Onuora-Oguno.
The Faculty of Life Sciences produced four new professors. They are Prof. M. O. Nafiu, Prof. Faoziyat A. Sulaiman, Prof. Risikat Nike Ahmed, and Prof. I. O. Sule.

Those promoted from the Faculty of Management Sciences are Prof. M. A. Ajayi and Prof. Rihanat I. Abdulkadir as the Faculty of Physical Sciences also produced two new professors through Prof. Haleemat I. Adegoke and Prof. O. A. Abidoye.

The promotion of Prof. Monisola A. Tunde of the Department of Geography and Environmental Management was also confirmed while the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine also produced one of the new Professors in the person of Prof. Z. Jaji from the Department of Veterinary Anatomy.

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Education

Student Union election turns deadly: One student flees for life, parents killed in tragic attack 

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In the quiet town of Ekiadolor, the College of Education became a battleground as student politics turned deadly. Odunuga Gbenga, a promising student, found himself thrust into the chaos of campus conflict.

It all began innocently enough when Gbenga was nominated as a contestant for the Student Union presidency. Little did he know that this simple act would plunge him into a nightmare.

During the election, tensions ran high as rival factions clashed violently. What was supposed to be a democratic process spiraled into chaos, with reports of killings, rapes, and riots echoing across the school grounds.

In fear for his life, Gbenga fled the campus, seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of his parents’ home in Edo State. But safety eluded him as darkness fell on that fateful night.

Under the cover of midnight, a group of assailants descended upon Gbenga’s home, shattering the peace of the night. In a desperate bid for survival, Gbenga fought bravely, but the odds were against him.

Tragically, Gbenga’s valiant efforts were in vain. Though he managed to escape, his beloved parents were not as fortunate. The attackers, driven by unknown motives, mercilessly took the lives of Mr. Samuel Odunuga and Mrs. Taiwo Odunuga, leaving a family shattered and a community reeling in shock.

Since that harrowing night in 2023, the search for Gbenga has consumed the hearts and minds of his grieving family. Their plea echoes through the pages of this newspaper, a desperate cry for justice and closure in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

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