“Imperatives of acquiring certificate-based skills in contemporary conditions”

The Vice-Chancellor of Southwestern University, Okun Owa, Ogun State, Babatunde Odufuwa, has stated that for Nigerian students to be relevant on a global scale, they need to acquire more skills than certificates.

He said the 21st century global employability space will focus more on skills than certificates.

Speaking at the third convocation of the institution held in Okun Owa in Ododogbolu Local Government Area of ​​Ogun State, Odufuwa noted that curricula in various countries are being designed to reflect the requirements of the global economy, including through e-learning and e-commerce .

He lamented the growing disconnect between the output of Nigerian tertiary education institutions and the skills requirements of the economy.

Odufuwa, who called for more targeted investment in education, said the growth and development of the nation depended on the quality of education of its citizens.

“In many countries, education is seen as a good investment in national development because it is expected to provide the quality and quantity of human resources required for economic growth,” Odufuwa said.

He, therefore, advised the government to pay attention to students in private institutions.

The Rector, congratulating the graduates on their academic achievements, recommended them to be worthy ambassadors of the school.

Vice-Rector, prof. Amus Adetunji, accused the graduates of influencing society.

He reiterated the institution’s commitment to producing graduates with sound moral foundations who will make a positive impact on society.

In his convocation lecture, former Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Dr. John Abolurin, said education has a key role to play in shaping the future of the nation.

However, he urged the graduates to give their best and invest in knowledge to gain an advantage.

Prominent personalities such as the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; The Chief Executive Officer of Loatsad promo-media, Seyi Tinubu and the Managing Director of Upperlink, Olusegun Akano, have been awarded honorary doctorates for their contributions to higher education in the country.

In his commencement speech, Akano urged the graduates to follow the principle of hard work when entering the job market.

He also enjoined them to put their hope in Nigeria and direct their minds towards solving problems for a better country.