UNILORIN Launches Innovative Skills Award to Combat Graduate Unemployment

The University of Ilorin has launched an Innovative Skills and Pioneering Entrepreneurship Award to equip students with vocational skills and combat the high unemployment rate among graduates in Nigeria. The programme was inaugurated on Friday in collaboration with industry leaders and artists who will provide registered students with the opportunity to learn practical skills alongside their academic studies.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulWahab Egbewole (SAN), emphasized that the initiative aims to bridge the skills gap that many graduates face, stating, “This partnership enriches our students’ educational experience and ensures they develop the practical skills required by today’s fast-evolving industries.”

Although participation is optional, students who complete the training will receive certificates, and the programme will also be open to students from other institutions. Egbewole noted that the initiative is part of the university's commitment to its Vision 1:10:500, aiming to elevate its status as a world-class institution while preparing students to thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.

Dr. Abdulkarim Oloyede, acting Director of the Centre for Research Development and In-house Training, highlighted the programme's all-encompassing approach, describing it as a valuable outlet for students to acquire essential skills.