The University of Ibadan (UI) has organised a one-day career development training for its final-year students, sending a clear message that a university degree alone is no longer enough to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
The programme, themed “From Campus to Corporate: Mastering Essential Soft Skills,” was held at the New Large Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Science, and was coordinated by the university’s Career Development and Counselling Centre (CDCC).
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale told students that connections can get them into a room but cannot keep them there.
“You may be able to use your connections to secure an interview, but it is your skills, competence and character that will ultimately earn you the job. Connections can open the door, but only your ability can keep it open,” he said.
The Director of CDCC, Professor David Oluwole, said the training was designed to close the gap between academic preparation and what the workplace actually demands.
“Today’s workplace demands much more than academic excellence. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can communicate effectively, think critically, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, adapt to changing environments, demonstrate emotional intelligence and lead with integrity,” he said.
He stressed that while a degree may secure an interview, it is soft skills that determine whether a graduate gets the job, keeps it, and grows in their career.
He also charged the students not to see graduation as the end of learning.
“Graduation is not the end of learning; it marks the beginning of a new phase of personal and professional growth. Continue to develop yourself, remain teachable, embrace lifelong learning, cultivate excellence and uphold the values for which the University of Ibadan is renowned,” he said.
Director of the UI Centre for Entrepreneurship, Professor Sherifat Aboaba, spoke on personal branding and digital literacy, urging students to be deliberate about how they present themselves professionally.
She identified the “7Cs” of personal branding as character, competence, confidence, communication, consistency, credibility, and contribution, saying these qualities set professionals apart in a competitive market.
“Your values, competence, communication, appearance and online presence all contribute to the impression you leave on people. A strong personal brand helps you stand out, build trust and create opportunities,” she said.
She challenged students to define their personal value proposition by asking: “What am I known for? What value do I offer? What problems can I solve? What skills distinguish me?”
She also noted that appearance matters, adding bluntly that “looking good is a business.”
Human resource expert Dr Morakinyo Oloyede took students through interview skills, urging them to research organisations, review their CVs, and prepare confident responses to likely questions before any interview.
“The first thing being looked at is character and attitude,” he said, advising students to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up after interviews.
The training also covered employability skills, with facilitators identifying qualities such as initiative, emotional intelligence, teamwork, problem-solving ability, and technological competence as what employers increasingly look for in fresh graduates.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
