The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, has said that many Nigerian graduates remain unemployed not because jobs are unavailable, but because they lack the practical skills required in the workplace.
She announced that the institution’s 36th Convocation Lecture will be delivered on Friday by former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN). The lecture is titled “Strategies and Tactics for Solving Skills Challenges in Nigeria: The Roles of Government, Institutions, and the Youth.” It will focus on addressing the country’s growing skills gap and promoting employability.
Prof. Oladiji noted that the lecture is part of a deliberate move to strengthen the relationship between academic learning and real-world skill development.
“This lecture will help our graduates understand how to acquire relevant and practical skills that align with economic needs,” she said.
For the first time, FUTA will hold the lecture on the same day as the award of degrees to 2,747 graduating students. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the decision ensures that the graduating class receives the lecture’s insights at a critical moment—just before entering the wider society.
She also highlighted that the choice of Prince Kayode was based on his extensive experience across governance, law, labour, and cultural administration. His presentation is expected to provide guidance on how government, institutions, and youth can work together to strengthen Nigeria’s workforce and improve global competitiveness.
