Preparing Students for Nigeria’s Labour Market Through Experiential Learning

On May 15, 2025, I had the pleasure of engaging once again with students from the Mass Communication Department at Fountain University, Osogbo. This session was part of an ongoing effort to prepare students for the realities of the labour market in Nigeria. It was my second time walking them through the demands, uncertainties, and strategies necessary to thrive in an environment that is both challenging and full of opportunity.

This year’s event stood out not just because of the dialogue we had, but also because it was organized and executed with a national outlook. It was named the Career and Employability Summit, with the theme: Navigating Nigeria’s Job Market in Times of Uncertainties. It was fully planned and delivered by the students as part of their coursework for the Event Management class. This practical-driven course, anchored by Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi, encourages students to move beyond theory and immerse themselves in hands-on learning. Under his guidance, the students transformed their classroom knowledge into a professional-level event.

From the first moment, the level of organization and professionalism on display was exceptional. The students were responsible for the entire process, including communication, publicity, logistics, and content development. They produced an impressive range of information, education, and communication materials. One of the standout elements was an audiovisual production of my professional citation, which they had compiled and shared before the event. It was a well-crafted, insightful presentation that I have since featured on my digital platforms.

This kind of initiative demonstrates something very important. When students are given the right tools, mentorship, and room to lead, they do not just meet expectations (they exceed them). The notion that Nigerian institutions do not prepare students for the workplace does not hold up when you witness such competence in action. The students were not just learning about communication theory. They were practicing communication, managing real-time logistics, and demonstrating creative thinking in solving practical problems.

My keynote focused on guiding the students through the process of understanding and assessing their readiness for the job market. I noted that in a world reshaped by digital disruption, globalisation, and rapid automation, traditional career paths are evolving faster than ever. Gone are the days when a university degree alone was a golden ticket to employment. Today, employers seek not just credentials, but capability—people who understand their value, their potential, and how to position themselves strategically. That is what today is about.

I encouraged them to carry out a personal audit of their skills, knowledge areas, and strengths. We talked about identifying opportunities, understanding potential threats, and navigating the often unpredictable nature of employment in Nigeria. I emphasized that while the environment may not always be ideal, preparation, adaptability, and clarity of purpose go a long way in shaping successful career paths.

A valuable part of the event was a short but insightful talk by Professor Nnamdi Madichie, a respected academic from the Bloomsbury Institute in the United Kingdom. His contribution was focused and practical. He spoke to the students about the importance of writing professional emails and cover letters, highlighting how these often-overlooked elements can make or break a first impression. It was a timely reminder that soft skills matter, and that effective written communication is a critical tool in today’s competitive landscape.

This emphasis on communication aligned perfectly with the broader message of the event. In today’s world, being qualified is no longer enough. Employers are looking for candidates who can express themselves clearly, take initiative, and demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of workplace dynamics.