Dearest undergraduates, participants, ladies and gentlemen.
I am greatly
honoured to be making the opening remark and introduction at the maiden edition
of this programme. This delights me even more, as I was a student of the
prestigious University of Abuja for 5-6 years, so in equal proportion, I regard
it as me paying homage to my Alma Mata of which I am a proud alumni.
Retrospectively
speaking, in my final year (500 level) before my final exams at the university;
as is normal with leaving a familiar territory to a “strange at first”
location, I was afraid. I was transiting into the university of life which like
concrete became realer each day! I was ruffled as to what would become of me afterwards,
and unlike many of my “smart mates” who had somehow stacked up savings enough
to begin a business venture, I did not have as little as a N100(One Hundred
Naira) to my name. Literally, my account needed Jesus.
What would I
do? How do I make a clear demarcation between school and the real world?? Was I
to be a liability to parents who did well enough to finance me through
school??? Well, to cut the story short all these puzzling questions were
settled when I was opportuned to attend a programme just like this which
transformed my perspective and gave answers to my posers.
Many graduates
sink into the hole of depression, some attempt suicide while some actually
commit suicide owing to their inability to adjust with the times and make a
clear cut distinction between school and reality. The truth is, “times aren’t changing, they have changed!” Only the
equipped would be able to adapt with the times and circumvent the tide of
unproductive/counterproductive graduates who end the university journey clueless
as to the path to chart whilst bemoaning the queue in the competitive labour
market.
This is the
thrust of this programme, created by Gani Hossana Johnson(LP) and ably partnered
by several other gallant men & women including myself who see the growing
need to help students/graduates feel secure & safeguarded about their
future and aspirations regardless of societal stereotypes and draw backs. We
believe no one has to feel the fear that is inspired from leaving the
miscellaneous walls of the higher institution, thereby empowering them for
their lifelong career enhancement etc. The reality is, life after school can be
a be bitter pill to swallow or sweeter than telemundo depending on how informed
you are or how equipped one is to handle that phase of earthly life. The
concern of this meeting is to deactivate the concerns or needless worries
students/graduates nurse, also clarifying their occupational goals.
I enjoin us all
to meticulously pay attention to our resource persons who have been carefully
selected to shed some light on these concerns and wipe out that destructive web
altogether. It promises to be very rewarding, as time well spent multiplies.
Many
Congratulations as you guarantee an auspicious and blissful posterity by making
a choice to be a part of this meeting. My hearty regards!
THANK
YOU!!!
