By Haliru Idris
The General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Mr Yomi Adeboye has called on students in tertiary institutions across Kwara State to embrace skills acquisition, discipline and character development alongside academic qualifications, saying certificates without practical competencies have become a major challenge in Nigeria’s labour market.
Adeboye made the call while receiving the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Joint Campus Council (JCC) from Kwara State during a courtesy visit to the corporation’s headquarters in Ilorin.
The NANS delegation was led by the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Axis, Comrade Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke, who stated that the visit aimed to build collaboration and seek support from the corporation for the programmes and initiatives of the newly elected student leadership.
Speaking during the meeting, The Herald’s General Manager noted that many graduates possess academic certificates but lack the practical skills required by employers.
According to him, the country’s unemployment challenge is largely a result of a disconnect between available opportunities and the competencies possessed by job seekers.
“We are looking at people with certificates without skills. While acquiring certificates, students must deliberately acquire relevant skills because the labour market is looking for competence and productivity,” he said.
He explained that individuals who possess marketable skills, particularly in writing, media and digital services, can create opportunities for themselves beyond conventional employment.
Drawing from his professional experience, Adeboye noted that skilled journalists often attract assignments from international media organisations while maintaining their regular employment and challenged the student leadership to move beyond traditional activism by championing initiatives that would equip students with practical skills and professional exposure before graduation.
According to him, NANS can facilitate mentorship programmes and workshops involving professionals in fields such as law, accounting, journalism, education and management to better prepare students for life after school.
“Aluta has its place, but skills are what remain with students after they leave the campus,” he stated.
The General Manager also disclosed that The Herald Newspapers has maintained a policy of creating opportunities for young people whenever vacancies arise, adding that the organisation regularly conducts in-house training sessions for its young employees to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and workplace realities.
He further emphasised the corporation’s commitment to inclusiveness and equal opportunity, noting that recruitment under the current management reflects representation across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State.
Speaking on industrial training and Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme placements, the media executive expressed concern over cases of absenteeism and indiscipline among some students posted to media organisations for practical training.
He lamented situations where students fail to report for duty throughout their attachment period but later request endorsements confirming participation in programmes they never attended.
He, however, stated that The Herald Newspapers would not compromise on such and other professional matters.
“Industrial attachment is meant for learning and professional development. We cannot be found to be endorsing students who never reported for training,” he said.
He identified discipline as one of the most important qualities required for success in journalism and other professions, stressing that no organisation can function effectively in an atmosphere of disorder and indiscipline.
He assured the student leadership of the corporation’s willingness to continue supporting legitimate student activities and publishing factual and responsible student-related content in line with established editorial policies.
He clarified that while certain categories of publications attract statutory charges payable through government channels, the corporation remains committed to maintaining a cordial relationship with students and their organisations.
Earlier, Comrade Eleburuke explained that the courtesy visit was part of efforts by the newly elected NANS leadership to establish strategic partnerships with key institutions and stakeholders in the state.
He expressed the readiness of the association to collaborate with The Herald Newspapers in promoting leadership development, skills acquisition, media literacy and responsible student unionism among students in Kwara State.
Also with the General Manager to receive the visitors were the Corporation Secretary Mr Olatayo Olabode; the Controller of Finance and Accounts (CFA) Mr Mohammed Kudu; and the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Adeyemo Emmanuel.
