VC urges students to become employers, not job seekers
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has encouraged students participating in the Unilorin Innovative Skills and Pioneering Entrepreneurship (U-INSPIRE) scheme to be deliberate in becoming future employers of labour rather than job seekers.
Prof. Egbewole made the call last Thursday (January 15, 2026) while speaking at the Orientation Programme of the U-INSPIRE Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall.
He explained that the initiative was designed to adequately prepare students for life after graduation by equipping them with relevant practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice.Chancellor stressed that beneficiaries of the programme should not be looking for paid employment after graduation, as the training and exposure provided are meant to empower them to create opportunities for themselves and others.
He noted that it always gladdens his heart to encounter young people who show genuine enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, describing such passion as a critical ingredient for personal success and national development, especially in the face of shrinking white-collar job opportunities.
Prof. Egbewole described the U-INSPIRE programme as a strategic intervention of the University aimed at complementing formal academic learning with hands-on skills acquisition. He explained that the programme focuses on ideation, vocational training, digital skills and entrepreneurship capacity development, thereby preparing students to compete effectively in today’s dynamic economy.
The Vice Chancellor expressed concern over the disturbing trend of highly qualified graduates, including first-class degree holders as well as Master and PhD graduates, who still struggle to secure employment after graduation. He noted that this reality underscores the need for students to think innovatively and embrace skills that promote self-employment.
While encouraging participants not to despise humble beginnings, Prof. Egbewole explained that many successful enterprises started small but grew into large ventures through commitment, consistency and hard work.
He, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the University of Ilorin to producing well-rounded graduates, stressing that the institution would continue to support programmes and initiatives that empower students with both academic knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
In a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin, the Director of the U-INSPIRE programme, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh, said the orientation was aimed at familiarising students with the U-INSPIRE platform and enlightening them on the significance of the programme in shaping their minds for the demands of modern and innovative work environments.
While saying students are currently learning a wide range of skills, including leadership, graphic design, web development, among others, he revealed that starting next year, the U-INSPIRE programme will expand into a full-fledged curriculum that would allow students to register from 100 Level through 400 Level to enable them participate in the programme over one to four years, depending on their level, and gain sustained exposure to practical skills and company-based experiences.
Prof. Jimoh, however, stated that about 70% of students who participated in the maiden edition of the programme last session were able to meet the minimum requirements for certification, which qualifies them for further engagement through internships, adding that, Only the most outstanding students will be selected for a two-month internship, designed to ensure that serious and committed participants are recognised and given practical opportunities to apply their skills.
He added that during the internships, students are required to develop projects, compete with their peers, and collaborate with partner organisations.
