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Tag: Akere

  • Akere seeks government, private sector support on graduate internship

    Akere seeks government, private sector support on graduate internship

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CherithPoint Education and Youth Development Initiative (CEYDI), Mrs. Olajumoke Akere, has sought the support of government and private organisations for graduate internships to address employabiliity gap and boost economic development.

    She emphasised the critical role governments can play in fostering structured internship opportunities, which she described as vital for bridging the gap between education and employment.

    Speaking during the organisation’s recently concluded virtual digital programme to equip young graduates and aspiring professionals with essential digital marketing skills and career readiness, Akere said governments can establish subsidised internship programs by partnering with organisations to co-fund initiatives, ensuring financial sustainability for businesses while providing fair compensation for interns.

    According to her, investing in youths will not only address unemployment but also build globally competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and shaping the future of the nation’s economy.

    She urged private organisations to play active role in reducing employabilitiy gap by collaborating with educational institutions and initiatives like CEYDI to identify and nurture talent.

    She said, “Private organisations should invest in mentorship programs that pair interns with seasoned professionals to provide both technical skills and career guidance.”

    She also called for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion by supporting interns from underrepresented communities and providing resources for sustainable workforce growth.

    Akere called on governments, corporate bodies, and other stakeholders to take decisive action in supporting structured graduate internships, which she said were essential for unlocking the economic and creative potential of the nation’s youth.

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    Akere also addressed “Impostor Syndrome Faced by New Employees and Career Starters,” equipping attendees with strategies to overcome self-doubt and thrive professionally which provided practical insights and motivational tools to help participants confidently navigate their early career journeys.

    The virtual digital programme also featured other insightful sessions, including a keynote address by Dr. Oluseye Ojo, Director of Zachsam Consulting USA, who spoke on “Working with Global Teams.”

    Ojo shared strategies for excelling in multicultural work environments and navigating cross-border collaborations.

    A highlight of the event was the Digital Marketing Challenge, where interns showcased their creativity and strategic thinking while winners were recognised, underscoring the transformative impact of structured training and mentorship.

    The program attracted accomplished speakers, dedicated interns, and innovative activities that demonstrated the vast potential of youth in the digital era.

  • Modern education emphasises skills, diversity, innovation, says Akere

    Modern education emphasises skills, diversity, innovation, says Akere

    Olajumoke Akere, an educationist and director of Jsay Prevarsity, has reiterated that modern education transcends traditional academics.

    She highlighted the importance of developing skills, embracing diversity, and fostering innovation to prepare young minds for the challenges of a technologically advanced and globalized world.

    Speaking in Ibadan to graduates and their families at a Valedictory Service for the Class of 2024 of Jsay Prevarsity, a multi-award-winning A-level College, Akere stressed that education must evolve beyond the conventional classroom setting.

    She said: “As we celebrate our students’ achievements, we must also reflect on the role of government and policymakers in creating an environment that allows young minds to rise beyond borders.

    “Jsay Prevarsity is renowned for bridging the gap between high school and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow through initiatives such as academic programs, scholarships, career awareness programs, STEM challenges, and capacity-building efforts, the institution prioritizes both academic success and life preparation. 

    “Our programs instill confidence, critical thinking, and a global perspective, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s interconnected world,” Akere stated. 

    Akere said she believed in the transformative power of education that extends beyond the classroom which made her authored the first edition of her inspirational book, “The Gold in You”.

    She said that about 2,000 copies of the book had been distributed to Jsay Prevarsity graduates and other high school students across Nigeria. 

    Akere said that untapped potential capable of shaping the future of students and influencing the world lay within every student.

    Akere called for continued investment in education by the government and policymakers.

    She expressed gratitude to parents, whose unwavering support has been pivotal to their children’s success. 

    “Together, we can build a future where no boundary economic, social, or technological can hinder the aspirations of our youth.”

    Akere emphasized that Jsay Prevarsity would continue to set a benchmark for excellence in education, preparing students not just for academic achievement but for impactful lives in an ever-changing world.

    In his keynote lecture, Mr. Adekunle Adeluwoye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Skrind Biotech Limited, echoed this theme of limitless opportunity in society

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    Adeluwoye, who spoke on the topic “Rising Beyond Boundaries,” encouraged graduates to rise to challenges, nurture meaningful relationships, and embrace the possibilities of a globalized future. 

    “Boundaries are not walls; they’re horizons that shift as you move toward them, revealing new opportunities with each step forward,” Adeluwoye said.

     “As the graduates step into the next phase of their academic and personal journeys, they should know that true success comes when their achievements benefit not just them alone but also their communities,” he said.

  • Education, digital literacy vital for advancing economy – Akere

    Education, digital literacy vital for advancing economy – Akere

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, has said education and digital literacy are vital for the advancement of any nation’s economy. 

    She said the term digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital resources and those who do not.

    Speaking at a symposium organised by GoToCourse, an Edtech platform in recognition of Digital Literacy Day in Ibadan with the theme: “Digital Inclusion and Accessibility, the challenge of the Digital Divide”, Akere said it became imperative for everyone to double their efforts in promoting digital literacy in this era, so as not to be left in digital abyss. 

    She emphasised the need for governments as well as private sector to collaborate for strategies to bridge digital divide and ensure digital literacy be at the forefront of their strategies.

    According to her, education and digital literacy go hand in hand and are substantial for the progression of any nation, especially in this digital era we live in.

    She stated that achieving digital inclusion transcends providing access to the internet or devices but extends to cultivating a world where every individual can effectively use digital technologies. 

    She reiterated that closing the digital divide requires prioritising education and skill advancement in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and equipping people with the skills needed to use digital technology efficiently and effectively and in turn promote digital literacy. 

    Akere elaborated that inadequate digital literacy can hamper education especially in developing nations.

    She said that it was not enough to have physical access to technology but also resources and skills are needed to actively engage in the digital world. 

    She urged that developed and developing nations to take practical steps to ensure equal access to digital resources. 

    Akere also listed steps that must be taken by government to bridge this divide which include policy framework formulation, infrastructure development, education and skill advancement.

    She suggested that governments should create comprehensive policies that promote digital inclusion.

    “These policies could include providing subsidies for broadband and devices, establishing public internet access points, and sponsoring digital literacy programmes.

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    “There is the need for robust infrastructure that would aid digital inclusion such as nationwide broadband networks,” she said.

    Akere said that students in rural or impoverished areas often lack access to digital devices and the internet, hindering their ability to engage in digital learning. 

    According to her: “Without access to digital technologies, students in disadvantaged regions struggle to develop digital literacy which is critical for future job prospects and participation in the digital economy.”

    She highlighted the transformative role that digital technologies can have in enhancing educational experiences through a variety of tools and resources.

    Oyo  Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu AbdulWaheed applauded GoToCourse’s efforts of providing digital literacy for the community of students, teachers and educators.