Aliyu urges UNILORIN students to embrace skill training opportunities
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant of Sec-Concepts Networks Ltd., Mr Azeez Omotayo Aliyu, has urged students of the University of Ilorin and other tertiary institutions in the country to embrace skill training and digital certification opportunities capable of improving their employability and competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Mr Aliyu, who is an ICT Tutor, stated this penultimate Wednesday (May 6, 2026) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin on the sidelines of Finnovation 4.0 organised by the Investment Society of Nigeria of the University of Ilorin, themed, “Redefining Finance as a Catalyst for Global Impact”. He noted that many Nigerian graduates, including students preparing to enter the labour market from the University, lack exposure to industry tools and globally recognised certifications needed to compete in the modern digital economy.
He explained that to drive the idea, his company, in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, created the Skillz’n’Cert project to equip undergraduate students, particularly students of the University of Ilorin, with practical networking and cybersecurity competencies.
Mr Aliyu also appreciated the organisers of Finnovation 4.0 for creating a platform that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital development among students, while commending the management of the University of Ilorin on its continuous encouragement and support for initiatives that would benefit students academically, technologically, and professionally.
He maintained that the initiative would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s digital transformation by producing skilled networking and cybersecurity professionals, including graduates of the University, capable of strengthening workforce development and improving cybersecurity resilience in the country.
According to him, the initiative seeks to bridge the growing gap between academic qualifications and industry-required technical expertise through practical training and globally recognised certifications, thereby giving students of the University an added advantage in the labour market and digital economy.
He said Skillz’n’Cert combines instructor-led online practical training, mentorship, internship opportunities, certification preparation, and access to Cisco Networking Academy learning resources to ensure that University of Ilorin students gain hands-on experience and practical exposure beyond classroom learning.
