…says skill mismatch exacerbates unemployment
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Director, Career Development and Counselling Center (CDCC), University of Ibadan, Professor Ifeanyi Onyeonoru has said graduate unemployment in Nigeria has been exacerbated by skill mismatch arising from the lack of requisite skills for employer needs.
He observed that rapid technological changes in the 21st century and the nature of contemporary work environment requires new skills to be employable and relevant.
Professor Onyeonoru stated this at a career support programme organised by the CDCC for students of the University to help them prepare for industry needed skills and adapt modern technology to achieve this.
According to Professor Onyeonoru, “each industrial revolution era significantly determines the nature of adaptable skills evident in the way people think, organised for production and living and the rate of success and prosperity among individuals and groups”
He associated the 4th industrial revolution among others with smart machines, storage systems and production systems that can autonomously exchange information, trigger actions and control each other without human intervention.
The director urged “students to be smart, insightful, multi-skilled and adaptable to the skill requirements of the 4th industrial revolution taking place in the global job market.”
Professor Onyeonoru advised students to be sensitive and adaptable to how algorithm process and artificial intelligence will disrupt and shape the nature of work and the skills of workers in the work place of the future and begin to hone skills relevant to the new world which keeps unfolding
While declaring the workshop opened, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale stated that career support is a very important aspect of the university system “because career support relates with students’ ability to foster a sense of purpose with regard to career development. It enables the students to engage with their innate talents and develop professional skills along the lines of their future aspirations and life’s purpose.”
The Vice Chancellor observed that “with clear career goals and an academic path towards them, students are more likely to be more motivated and engaged in their career course leading to their future jobs with a sense of fulfilment and productivity.”
