LAGOS/Nigeria: First-class graduates have been encouraged to resist the pressure to make permanent migration their measure of career success and instead use their skills and international exposure to create opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s development.
The Chairman of the First Class Muslim Foundation (FCMF), Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, made the call at the close of the eighth M-First Series Workshop in Ikeja, Lagos, where 50 first-class graduates from across the country were brought together for mentorship, career guidance, networking and professional development.
Ogunmuyiwa said academic excellence should give young Nigerians the confidence to pursue opportunities both within and outside the country, but argued that those who travel abroad should consider returning with the knowledge and experience acquired.
“Having a first-class degree does not mean you can only excel outside Nigeria. Gain experience abroad if necessary, then return and contribute,” he said.
He also argued that changing conditions in some foreign labour markets had made permanent migration less attractive than many young graduates might assume.
According to him, opportunities existed in Nigeria’s economy for highly skilled graduates willing to identify problems, develop solutions and apply their expertise locally.
Ogunmuyiwa further challenged the participants to look beyond the conventional perception that first-class graduates must pursue academic careers.
“Earning a first-class degree does not mean you are limited to lecturing. There are opportunities in both academia and industry,” he said.
The workshop also featured contributions from professionals and academics on leadership, career planning, adaptability, professional certification and personal development.
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, urged the graduates to build their leadership careers around integrity, responsibility and a clear vision.
Former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye, encouraged the participants to become creators of opportunities rather than wait for favourable circumstances.
“Opportunity does not knock. Build a door and break it open. Leverage every opportunity that comes your way,” Olaleye said.
Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Controller at Baker Hughes, Mutiu Adelu, emphasised the importance of remaining flexible while pursuing clearly defined career goals.
“Whatever is not taking you closer to your set goal is taking you farther from it. You must be flexible and adaptable,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Solutions, Faheed Olajide, urged the graduates to base important decisions on adequate information and careful consideration.
“Today is a bundle of your past decisions. Gather as much information as possible before taking any decision,” he said.
KPMG Nigeria Partner, Olabimpe Afolabi, addressed the development of professional niches and sustainable career paths, while Prof. Ismail Ibraheem of the University of Lagos spoke on international certification opportunities and globally recognised skills.
Other sessions focused on resilience, personal development, marriage and mental wellness.
Founder of Hearthub Solutions, Mrs Bushra Bombata, urged participants to approach their relationships and life choices deliberately.
“Know where you are going; it makes finding the path easier. Intentional care remains important in sustaining relationships,” she said.
The three-day programme ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants by MTN Nigeria Chief Financial Officer, Mrs Modupe Kadiri, alongside a five-year presentation plan.
One of the participants, Sumayyah Sikiru, a Mass Communication graduate of Lagos State University, described the programme as impactful, saying it helped participants gain a broader understanding of leadership, personal development, clarity of purpose and their core competencies.
She commended FCMF for organising the workshop free of charge and suggested that more specialists be brought in as mentors at subsequent editions.
Another participant, Ibrahim Ridwan, a Plant Science graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said the programme helped participants understand that academic certificates were only one part of their professional journey.
“The workshop broadened our understanding beyond certificates. My goal is contributing through genetic engineering and advancing food security in Africa,” Ridwan said. (NAN)
