Dilli Dogo, Vice Chancellor of Nile University of Nigeria, has attributed the institution's 96% graduate employment rate to its emphasis on skills based education and stronger collaboration with industry partners.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday to commemorate four years of his leadership at the institution, stressing that universities must move beyond awarding certificates to focus on equipping students with practical skills required to succeed in the modern workforce.
"Education in the 21st century is not just about certification, it is about getting people to key into the expectations of society and industry so that, in the end, the products are industry ready. So it's beyond degrees. It's not about what certificate you got, but what you know, your ability, your skill. Because we believe in employability, Nile University has an employability rate of 96%. In other words, almost all our graduates are employed," Dogo stated.
He explained that the institution works closely with global professional bodies and companies to ensure that students acquire industry certifications and hands on experience during their studies, noting that some students in technology related fields are already employed through partnerships providing paid internships and professional training opportunities.
"As I speak to you, 15 of our students who have completed the mandatory internship designed to professionalise them and prepare them to accept the workforce anywhere in the world, have been onboarded by their company already. There are six students, but they are already working and being paid. All internships provided are paid, with companies identifying skills among the students, onboarding them for internships, and paying them a modest amount. Once students are certified and their prerequisite skills are confirmed, they are onboarded as company staff, continuing to receive pay while they finish their education. Upon graduation, these interns are fully absorbed into the workforce," the Vice Chancellor revealed.
Dogo disclosed that the university's student population has grown significantly within the last four years, increasing from approximately 3,000 students in 2022 to approximately 15,000 students currently.
He revealed plans to expand the university's presence beyond Abuja with the establishment of a study centre in Lagos to meet growing demand for its programmes.
"We are moving to Lagos to open a study centre because the demand for our services by the private investment companies, as well as other universities in Lagos, for the kind of education we provide has continued to escalate," Dogo noted
