Christian Ezeibe, Professor from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, has called on students all over the country to reposition themselves from certificate holders to solution providers by changing their mindset from being job seekers to job and wealth creators.
Ezeibe, the Dean, Students’ Affairs, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, gave the advice while delivering a convocation lecture at the Kogi State Polytechnic Combined Convocations held recently at Lokoja, saying his lecture is not an eulogy to the certificates the students hold in their hands, rather it is a challenge anchored on the certificates.
He said, “We are in the season of celebration of persistence, learning and the conferment of certificates that represent years of intellectual toil.”
He equally pointed out that the lack of justice had marred the assignment of roles in the industries, stressing that it started from the foundation.
He urged students to pick careers that are prominent in the country, pointing out that learning a skill overrides the difference between polytechnics and universities
“To the Kogi State Polytechnic Administration: Deepen your industry linkages. Aggressively seek equipment grants and partnerships. Innovate your curriculum every three years. Be the skills oasis in the Confluence State.
“To the Lecturers: You are not just transmitters of information; you are skill custodians and mentors. Continuously upgrade your own practical knowledge. Inspire your students with the possibilities of what their hands and minds can build.
“And finally, to the Graduands, the Class of 2025. You hold a certificate today. That is good. But the question that will define your future is this: What can you DO?
“That certificate is your launchpad. Your skills are the engine. Your vision is the navigation system. Nigeria’s problems are your destination.
“Do not be a graduate who says, I have a Higher National Diploma.” Be a graduate who says, “I can BUILD. I can FIX. I can INNOVATE. I can SOLVE”.
“Reposition yourselves from certificate holders to solution providers. Reposition your mindset from job seekers to job and wealth creators”.
