Report by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has advised students to deploy their personal achievements for the growth and development of the society.
Barrister Onyejeocha gave the advice at the maiden convocation ceremony of Bachelor of Science Degree Programme in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, held at Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, in Ilorin, Kwara state.
Represented by the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Orodiran Bola, the Minister said challenges are inevitable in life, adding that the students should develop resilient attitude to surmount them.
Barrister Onyejeocha, urged educational institutions in the country to collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop curricula that align with workforce demands.
In his presentation, the Keynote speaker, Frank Ehichanya represented by Ahmed Adeyemi, advocated for a deliberate shift from theory – based curricula, to skill – driven and industry relevant one.
He identified challenges in grooming future managers of people to include skills mismatch, technological disruption, soft skills deficiency as well as limited access to continuous learning.
Ehichanya noted that the issues could be resolved with curriculum reform, emphasis on soft skills, promotion of lifelong learning, mentorship, coaching, among other.
In his remarks, Director General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, said arrangements have been put in place to commence Professional Post Graduate courses, to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on human capital development.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor,University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, represented by Director, Centre for Affiliated Institution, Dr. Yahaya Oyewole – Imam urged the graduands to imbibe good manners in all their dealings.
He urged other students of the institute to take advantage of NELFUND to advance their career.