Alumni body equips graduating students with skills for success beyond graduation
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin Alumni Association has organised a programme for graduating students of the University to equip them with critical knowledge on entrepreneurship, career development, workplace technology, and professional success strategies to prepare them for life beyond the University environment.
The programme, which brought together professionals and experts from different fields, exposed participants to entrepreneurship development, resume writing, interview preparation, workplace technology application, and career readiness in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, “EmployableMe Seminar 2026”, the President of the Association, Prof. Abdulrazaq Olubusuyi Kilani, congratulated the students for successfully reaching the final stage of their academic journey, describing the feat as a reflection of resilience, sacrifice, and determination despite prevailing economic challenges.
Prof. Kilani, who teaches at the University of Port-Harcourt, noted that while obtaining a University degree remains important, employers increasingly seek graduates who possess practical skills, adaptability, emotional intelligence, integrity, and the ability to solve real-life problems. He urged students to cultivate relevant skills, build strong personal brands, embrace networking, explore entrepreneurship opportunities, and maintain integrity and resilience as they prepare for life after graduation.
During the Entrepreneurship Development session, Engr. Oluwasanmi A. Adewuyi exposed participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, business creation, self-employment opportunities, labour management, creativity, work ethics, funding options, and business planning required to establish and sustain successful enterprises.
Using practical business case studies, he introduced students to the importance of innovation, financial management, workforce planning, equipment acquisition, and sustainability in building successful business ventures and expanding existing enterprises, while emphasising entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to economic independence and job creation.
Another session was devoted to understanding the differences between resumes, curriculum vitae, and cover letters, while exposing participants to employer expectations during recruitment processes. Students were also guided on LinkedIn profile optimisation, tailoring resumes to specific job roles, avoiding common resume mistakes, and preparing effectively for interviews through confidence building, professional appearance, and strategic communication.
Speaking on ‘‘Technology in the Workplace’’, Dr Suleiman Abimbola Yahaya, Director of FETUILS TechHub, explained that modern employers no longer reward certificates and academic grades alone but increasingly value productivity, creativity, innovation, communication ability, and measurable results.
He explained that technology extends beyond Artificial Intelligence and coding, describing it as any tool that enables individuals and organisations to work faster, smarter, safer, and on a larger scale.
According to him, graduates must become proficient in modern workplace tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Artificial Intelligence platforms, project management tools, and data analysis applications, as these competencies now define professional relevance in the contemporary workplace.
Reacting to the programme, Morohunranti Oluwatosin Adebowale of the Department of Social Work, described EmployableMe 2.0 as an impactful professional development initiative that has positively prepared her for life after graduation. She noted that the seminar exposed her to practical entrepreneurial skills, CV and resume writing techniques, LinkedIn optimisation strategies, and interview preparation skills that would enhance her employability prospects in the future.
Similarly, Kudus Faluade of the Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, commended the organisers for putting together what he described as a timely and highly beneficial programme for graduating students. He noted that the seminar broadened participants’ understanding of the skills, technological competence, and professional mindset required to successfully navigate the modern workplace after graduation.
