UNILORIN, Huawei promote professional ICT skills
By Isaac Lewu
The Director of the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulkarim Oloyede, has urged students to complement their academic qualifications with professional certifications and practical skills to enhance their competitiveness in the global labour market.
Prof. Oloyede, who stated this penultimate saturday (October 23, 2026) at the Huawei ICT Roadshow held at the University Auditorium, commended the Huawei ICT Academy ambassadors and instructors for supporting students’ professional development.
He stressed that University education should go beyond classroom teaching, urging students to take advantage of professional training opportunities to improve their career prospects.
The Director explained how a professional certification he obtained earlier in his career contributed to his promotion at the University, despite his initial doubts about its value. He noted that academic qualifications alone might not guarantee career success, as employers increasingly seek candidates with relevant practical skills and additional competencies.
He also warned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could displace some jobs, advising students to acquire digital skills and learn to use emerging technologies effectively to remain relevant in the changing world of work.
Also speaking, the Manager of the UNILORIN Innovation Hub, Dr Muhtahir Oloyede, encouraged students to maximise opportunities offered by the Huawei ICT Academy and other professional development initiatives. He emphasised the importance of combining academic knowledge with industry-relevant skills, innovation and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr Oloyede said students should take deliberate steps to prepare for the demands of the global technology industry by pursuing professional certifications and practical training alongside their university education. He noted that such efforts would improve their employability and readiness for emerging career opportunities.
In his remarks, the Huawei Talent Manager, Mr Knimi Musa, urged students to prepare for opportunities beyond Nigeria through continuous learning and skills development. He identified Artificial Intelligence, Data Communication, Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) as important areas for professional growth in the evolving ICT industry.
Mr Musa highlighted Huawei’s Seeds for the Future programme, Talent Job Fair and Huawei ICT Competition as platforms for international exposure, career development and practical learning. He also celebrated the achievement of Mr Jimoh Usman, an alumnus of the University’s Department of Telecommunication Science, who emerged among the competition’s winners and was described at the event as the only Nigerian to hold two Huawei Certified ICT Expert (HCIE) certifications.
Also speaking, a former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Jamiu Odusote, appreciated the organisers and other contributors for the success of the roadshow. The event, themed “Connection, Glory, Future,” highlighted the role of technology in connecting talents, celebrating excellence and preparing young people for the future.
Others in attendance included Dr Y. O. Imam-Fulani, Mrs Aisha Jimoh-Mahmud, Mr N. O. Yusuf and Mr S. A. Sanni of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences.
