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Nigerian Graduates: Life after School and the Question of Demonstrable Skills – by Seun Sobola

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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.

 

Nigerian Graduates: Life after School and the Question of Demonstrable Skills - by Seun Sobola

 

 

 

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]

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APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

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*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

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VISIONS FROM THE MOST HIGH GOD ABOUT NIGERIA AND PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU:  EVANGELIST/HON. OMOTOSO ISSUES PROPHETIC DIRECTIVES AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: VISIONS FROM THE MOST HIGH GOD ABOUT NIGERIA AND PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU: 

EVANGELIST/HON. OMOTOSO ISSUES PROPHETIC DIRECTIVES AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION*

Evangelist/Hon. Omotoso, National President of the ODUDUWA Integrity Association and described as a spiritual father, has released what he terms “visions from the Most High God” concerning Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid.

 

In a statement issued in a press conference organises by Evangelist Omotoso. He made public series of revelations that are relevant to President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. According to him, President Tinubu will win the forthcoming presidential election with approximately 15 million votes.

 

He further stated that opposition elements will attempt to “cause trouble in Nigeria and cry foul” following the outcome, but declared that such efforts would be “like shaft before the winds” — ineffective against what he described as a divinely backed mandate.

 

*“Lost Glory Restored” Vision*

Recounting one of the visions, Evangelist Omotoso said: “The lost glory of about 35 years in Nigeria has been returned as of 7/12/2025. In the revelation, President Tinubu himself asked me, saying all the vehicles he wants to ride are not moving. I saw him jump on one and I pushed it for him, and it started — _Huumuuuuu_ — and continued working, and the President started riding.”

 

He interpreted this as a sign that President Tinubu will “start a new Nigeria” and that opposition forces will not prevail.

 

*Direct Message to President Tinubu*

Delivering what he called a direct instruction from God to the President, Evangelist/Hon. Omotoso stated: “President Tinubu should go and release Nnamdi Kanu now if he wants to sustain and enjoy his re-election.”

 

He added that obedience to this directive is tied to the stability and longevity of the coming administration.

 

The ODUDUWA Integrity Association said it is making these revelations public in the interest of national peace, spiritual guidance, and political stability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

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