The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), an apex agency of the Federal Government flagged off its Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) for 75 graduates under the Special Public Works department (SPW) designed to combat unemployment among graduates in Ogun State.
The Director General of the Directorate, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo who spoke during the recent Flag off and orientation ceremony of year 2023 Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) stated that ‘’there is huge gap between unemployed graduates of tertiary Institutions and the possibility for them to be employed.”
The DG who was ably represented by NDE Ogun Acting State Coordinator, Mrs. Oshinowo Kehinde Ajoke explained further that “when employers put out vacancies for various openings in their organizations, they require in most cases 5-10 years working experience, professional certifications etc. All these requirements demanded by employers make it difficult if not nearly impossible for fresh graduates to gain employment.”
Mrs. Oshinowo reiterated that “the Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) is designed to bridge this gap by attaching graduates to various organizations for them to acquire necessary professional skills on the job that will make them marketable to employers as well as to position them to showcase their competencies, potentials, gifts and talents to employers wherever they are posted.”
The State Coordinator said, “the various organizations and organizations in partnership with NDE to ensure the actualization of the Graduate Attachment Programme include; Federal Medical Centre, Ijebu Ode Local Government, Ogun State Ministry of health, Ogun State Ministry of Information and Social Industrial Gases limited, Sango Ota among others.”
The Director SPW department headquarters, Mrs. Olaomi Roseline ably represented by HOD SPW Ogun State, Mr. Adeyemi Ariyo charged the graduates to be of good behaviour and conduct throughout the 3 months duration of the programme. He added that it is important for them to have the right attitude towards their work as their attitude will determine their altitude in life.
“As the world becomes increasingly competitive, it is essential for young graduates to have both a solid theoretical foundation and hands-on experience. Our graduate attachment program aims to bridge this gap by offering you a chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
“Through this program, you will be able to work alongside experienced professionals, learning from their expertise and gaining valuable insights into the industry. You will be given the opportunity to contribute to projects, develop your skills, and broaden your perspectives,” she added.