McPherson University IR Department Urges Students to Prioritize Skills Beyond Degrees at 2026 Symposium

The Department of International Relations at McPherson University has called on students to move beyond certificate-driven thinking and prioritize practical skill acquisition, personal development, and career readiness.

This position was reinforced during the International Relations Students Association (IRSA) Annual Symposium held as part of the 2026 Students’ Week, themed “Beyond the Degree: Skills That Matter in Nigeria Today.” The event focused on bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world employability.

Guest speaker, Mrs. Nike Ojo, emphasized that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive environment. She stressed the need for students to deliberately invest in skills such as digital literacy, effective communication, and professional writing, particularly email etiquette, which she described as critical in modern workplace interactions.

She also urged students to build strong interpersonal competence, maintain discipline in character, and adopt a growth-oriented mindset. According to her, value creation is tied directly to continuous self-improvement and the ability to apply knowledge in practical contexts.

Mrs. Ojo further encouraged students to pursue continuous learning through certifications, additional training, and professional exposure in International Relations and related fields. She cautioned against complacency, noting that success requires consistency, adaptability, and personal responsibility rather than reliance on external validation or assumptions.

In his remarks, the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Paul Ojo, advised students to maximize available academic and institutional opportunities. He charged them to remain focused, develop relevant competencies, and prepare strategically for future leadership and professional roles.

The symposium reinforced a growing institutional emphasis on producing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also industry-ready and capable of thriving in a skills-driven global economy.