Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, has charged the 2026 graduating class to understand that academic certificates alone may not secure their future. He emphasised that adaptability and entrepreneurial skills are crucial for global relevance. Speaking during the university’s career and education fair held at the institution’s amphitheatre, Ojewole stressed the necessity of combining academic knowledge with practical skills.
"Your degree is quite important, but it may not necessarily open the door. It is not just your degree that will make way for you, but also your skills. In the scriptures, the first access that David had to the palace was not because he killed Goliath but because he possessed musical skills," the Vice Chancellor noted.
He urged the students to be ethical, professional and entrepreneurial in their endeavours. "Be research focused, data driven, and strive to be the very best. We are determined to raise alumni who are globally relevant and who will create wealth rather than just wait for paychecks," he added.
Mr Caleb Aromah, a 2006 nursing graduate now with the MasterCard Foundation, expressed concern regarding the lack of digital competence among applicants. He admonished the graduates to remain resilient and leverage ICT to build robust careers.
"It usually breaks my heart when I am conducting interviews for job seekers, and many of them are without ICT skills. How do you leverage a world that is now technology driven to stay competitive and build an excellent career for yourself?" Aromah queried.
Mrs Amanda Dara Afolabi, a 2015 Computer Science graduate, encouraged the students to remain assertive and explore new opportunities without anxiety. Dr Jonathan Dangana, Associate President of Alumni, Connectivity and Philanthropy, explained that the event was designed to bridge the gap between graduation and professional reality. He observed that career paths often change after graduation.
"Sometimes what you have documented that you want to be may not be it again. You may not eventually practice what you studied. We have brought these alumni to share real life experience and insights with you. The essence is to continue to make our graduates responsible and impactful in nation building while reducing unemployment in our society," Dangana stated.
Dr Olaniyi Arije, Vice President for Advancement and Development, pledged the institution’s commitment to sustaining academic excellence and research for societal impact.
