Prof. Bankole Addresses Graduate Employability Issues

Prof. Abiodun Bankole, a former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at the University of Ibadan, addressed the misconception that Nigerian graduates are unemployable, stating that the real issue lies with employers who fail to train new hires. He made these remarks during the graduation and send-off ceremony for the 2025 cohort of the Next Gen Ideate (NGI) programme, organized by the Forerunners Welfare Foundation (FWF).

Bankole emphasized that businesses historically have a responsibility to prepare fresh graduates for the workforce and criticized the contradiction of labeling graduates as unfit while neglecting this duty. He encouraged graduates to pursue internships and avoid expecting senior roles immediately after graduation.

Dr. Ibrahim Hammed, Chairman of FWF, recognized the 22 graduates as rigorously tested individuals. Keynote speakers included legal practitioner Abdurrahman Abiola Ahmad and Engineer Ibrahim Ande, who stressed the importance of relationship-building and soft skills for workplace success.