Babcock Alumni Urge Graduates to Prioritize Skills Over Degrees for Career Success
Old students of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, have issued a crucial warning to the 2026 graduating class, advising them to focus on skills acquisition alongside their academic degrees. During the university's recent career and education fair, alumni stressed that adaptability, technological proficiency, and entrepreneurial abilities are essential for navigating today's highly competitive world.
Alumni Share Real-World Insights on Technology and Resilience
A 2006 nursing graduate, Caleb Aromah, highlighted the importance of leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) skills to build robust careers. Working with the MasterCard Foundation, Aromah expressed concern over job seekers lacking ICT competencies, stating, "It usually breaks my heart when I am conducting interviews for job seekers, and many of them are without ICT skills. How do you leverage a world that is now technology-driven to stay competitive and build an excellent career for yourself?" He encouraged students to remain resilient, diligent, courageous, and focused, acknowledging that life after university can present significant challenges.
Amanda Dara-Afolabi, a 2015 Computer Science graduate, urged students to avoid anxiety and instead be assertive, break new grounds, and explore opportunities to build a better future. Her message reinforced the need for proactive skill development beyond academic credentials.
University Leadership Emphasizes Practical Skills and Global Relevance
Associate President of Alumni, Connectivity and Philanthropy, Jonathan Dangana, explained that the gathering aimed to prepare students for realities outside university walls. "Sometimes what you have documented that you want to be may not be it again. You may not eventually practice what you studied. We have brought these alumni to share real-life experience and insights with you," he said. Dangana added that the goal is to make graduates responsible and impactful in nation-building while reducing unemployment in society.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Afolarin Ojewole echoed this sentiment, urging students to combine academic knowledge with practical skills to become globally relevant. "Your degree is quite important, but it may not necessarily open the door. It is not just your degree that will make way for you, but also your skills. In the scriptures, the first access that David had to the palace was not because he killed Goliath, but because he possessed musical skills," he noted. Ojewole stressed that graduates must be ethical, professional, and entrepreneurial, focusing on research, data-driven approaches, and excellence to create wealth rather than merely waiting for paychecks.
Commitment to Academic Excellence and Societal Impact
Vice-President for Advancement and Development, Dr. Olaniyi Arije, pledged the institution's commitment to raising the bar of academic excellence and research for societal impact. This aligns with the broader message that Babcock University is dedicated to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in a dynamic global economy.
The event underscored a critical shift in educational priorities, with alumni and university leaders unanimously advocating for a balanced approach that values both degrees and hands-on competencies. As the job market evolves, this advice serves as a timely reminder for students to invest in continuous learning and skill enhancement to secure their future careers.
