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Nigerian Graduates: Life after School and the Question of Demonstrable Skills – by Seun Sobola
Nigerian Graduates: Life after School and the Question of Demonstrable Skills – by Seun Sobola
The view that titles occupy an exclusive place in writing is very much in line with common sense. A good title forecasts the message of a writing. So, to take advantage of that fact, I have succinctly created a concise and informative title to draw your attention.
There is no need to put on a camouflage title, no need to crank up titles that would satirise the pains of Nigerian graduates, it only requires me to inform that the piece was inspired by three different events that I experienced.
I was sitting in the office of Dr Segun Omosule, the Head of Department of English, Olabisi Onabanjo University when two 400 level students came to greet me. Soon we were to talk about school generally, and whether the course they have been studying for four year has prepared them for miracle-breaking jobs in the labour market.
The female, after a fractional smile, comprehensively said that no course has given her a flicker of usefulness, application and anticipation in the future. Although she buried her face instantly, I asked her if truly she would be leaving school the same way she came. She gave me a thin-laughter.
After I regained my seat, I told her that the purpose of school is to provide ‘a runway to define your own journey’. You may want to engage with and help others. You may want to effect change in the world and in yourself. You may wish to be heard. You may want to write. You may want to sing. School only provides that myriad opportunities and space to do so. To support this point, I cited a concept in drama called ‘adaptation’.
Adaptation is the process of recreating an existing work in a way which gives a new meaning. This concept has been utilised by writers, movie producers and scientists. For instance, a recent blockbuster Yoruba movie _Big Brother Ibadan_ (2023) is a reworking of the popular Nigerian reality competition television series, _Big Brother Naija_ . Big Brother, this time, takes the competition to Ibadan where twelve stupid characters together in a solitary house msut live with the winner to cart away a total of 10 million naira. Ahmed Yerima also remixed Shakespeare’s _Othello_ in _Otaelo_ , rendering the classic _Othello_ into the language, cultural reality and setting of the Igbo people.
It sounded very significant that adaptation sourced from Arts and its value as a form of knowledge cannot be greater. But at the same time, we are given an insight that school will make you intellectually potential and not readily design a job for you. We are left to challenge ourselves in the curriculum and opportunities available to us in the outside world. You may choose career in music, communication, boxing, teaching, nursing, politics, farming, banking, law, fashion designing amongst others.
Translating professions or skills into businesses is equivalent to demonstrating them. That expression derives strength in the statement of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who said that ‘university degrees will no longer be sole guarantors of job opportunities in the country’. Therefore, it is prerequisite that every graduate finds himself or herself rooting for skills that may not have been taught in school. The fact remains, though that skills may not be enough. Skills can be potentially beneficial when coupled with personality and virtues. Virtues are innate and in-built by the way.
Dear Nigerian graduates, let us forge a new path with fastidiousness and ingenuity by demonstrating our skills. In the era of Technology, skills are transcending geographical boundaries. There is an undeniable truth in this, skills are where tomorrow’s workforce will come from.
Seun Sobola holds a first class degree in English from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. He is an exceptional writer and can be reached through: 08101106313/ [email protected]
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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