Borno State Governor Addresses UI's 75th Anniversary, Stresses Graduate-Labour Market Mismatch

In celebration of the University of Ibadan's (UI) 75th anniversary, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Monday, tackling the critical issue of a mismatch between graduates' skills and the demands of the labor market.

Addressing the audience, Governor Zulum underscored the prevailing challenge faced by graduates nationwide, asserting that many lack the necessary skills to effectively compete in the highly demanding labor market. The lecture, titled "Leadership, Citizenship and Meeting Contemporary Social Justice in Nigeria," marked the first in a series organized to commemorate UI's milestone.

Zulum delved into the consequences of this mismatch, citing elevated rates of unemployment, underemployment, and reduced productivity. He emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Nigeria. The Governor stressed the pivotal role of universities in shaping the future workforce and called for their continuous adaptation to meet evolving labor market demands.

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Expressing his views on the role of universities, Zulum urged a stronger focus on research and its application to industry, advocating for a restructuring of the university system to become hubs of innovative ideas with the potential to attract significant investments.

Governor Zulum acknowledged the rapid technological advancements and changing industry needs, emphasizing the inadequacy of curricula in many tertiary institutions. He highlighted the importance of practical skills, such as entrepreneurship and vocational training, in empowering graduates and those who couldn't pursue formal education to navigate the labor market successfully.

Drawing from his experiences in Borno State, Zulum shared the success of his administration in addressing unemployment and youth restlessness by establishing vocational training institutes. He disclosed the establishment of five mega-size Vocational Training Institutes and 19 smaller Technical and Vocational Training Institutes in Borno State within five years.

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Governor Zulum challenged citizens to embrace patriotism and hold leaders accountable, encouraging everyone to play a role in showcasing leadership in their respective spheres. The Vice Chancellor of UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale, commended the Governor for his contributions and identified his commitment to the university.

Accompanying Governor Zulum were Borno State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bawu Musami, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barrister Mustapha Ali Busuguma, and senior officials from the Borno State Government. The entourage also included officials from the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, featuring notable figures in the field.