UI VC Urges Final-Year Students to Acquire Essential Soft and Digital Skills for Career Success

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has urged final-year students of the University to complement their academic qualifications with essential soft and digital skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive labour market.

He made the call at the 2026 Soft Skills Training for Final-Year Students organised by the University’s Counselling and Career Development Centre (CDCC).

Professor Adebowale said the theme of the programme, “From Campus to Corporate: Mastering Essential Software Skills,” was not merely a catchy phrase but a reflection of the realities facing graduates as they transition into the workplace.

He noted that employers increasingly seek work-ready professionals rather than graduates who possess certificates alone.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, students had spent four or more years immersed in academic work, with their primary focus on theoretical knowledge, examinations and grades. He added that they had developed the ability to learn, think critically and absorb large volumes of information.

He, however, noted that the worlds of industry, business and innovation operate on a different terrain, stressing that knowledge alone is no longer sufficient and that theory must be matched with practical application.

Professor Adebowale reiterated that employers are no longer merely searching for graduates with outstanding academic records but for “work-ready” professionals who combine academic intelligence with practical and technical competence.

He disclosed that in the 21st-century global economy, digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for employability and career advancement.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that proficiency in essential software skills contributes to increased efficiency, enhanced productivity, improved collaboration, better data management and analysis, as well as professional presentation.

Professor Adebowale described the students as the pride of the University and noted that a University of Ibadan degree is a key, but not the door itself.

He advised the students to complement technical competence with character, integrity, reliability and professionalism, stressing that while a university degree could open doors, sustained career success depends on how graduates apply their knowledge and utilise available opportunities.

He therefore urged the students to participate in the training with curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning, noting that the digital landscape is constantly evolving and that the programme should inspire a continuous passion for acquiring new skills.

The Director of the Counselling and Career Development Centre, Professor Adebayo Oluwole, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support for the Centre’s initiatives.

He disclosed that the training was designed to enhance students’ career readiness and professional development, thereby preparing them for a seamless transition from the classroom to the corporate world.

Professor Oluwole also acknowledged the support of the Deans of Faculties for encouraging their final-year students to participate in the programme, noting that the collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.

He congratulated the students on reaching an important milestone in their academic journey and reminded them that academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient for career success.

According to him, employers increasingly value effective communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, adaptability and leadership.

The Director further disclosed that the training was carefully designed to expose participants to practical workplace competencies that would enhance their employability and prepare them for leadership roles in their chosen careers.

Professor Oluwole reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to equipping students with the confidence, resilience and professional skills required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic labour market. He encouraged participants to actively engage in all the sessions and maximise the learning opportunities provided.

The resource persons and papers presented at the training were:

1. Dr. Morakinyo Oloyede, FICPM, FITD, Managing Consultant, McOloy Associates Limited: “Interview Skills, Social Etiquette, Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills.”

2. Professor R. A. Animashaun, Head, Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan: “Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in the Workplace.”

3. Professor Sherifat Adeyinka Aboaba, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Ibadan: “Personal Branding and Digital Literacy.”

4. Dr. Tooke Ola-Sheu Adele, Director, Gender Dreamz: “Curriculum Vitae Writing, Career Readiness and Employability Skills.”