Students of the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Lagos (UNILAG), are better equipped for the labour market, thanks to a two-day soft skills seminar sponsored by Exxon Mobil.
The students were exposed to the etiquettes of the work place, interview expectations, dress sense, language, character, among others during the programme organised by an NGO, Foundation for Leadership and Educational Development (FLED) and J. Soji George Consulting firm, at the UNILAG Guest House Hall.
Executive director of FLED, Mr Joseph Ibekwe, said the seminar, which was for final year first class candidates of the faculty, was advantageous to graduates in their pursuits for success or good career.
He said: “The most important thing about this seminar is social, leadership and personal comportment skills – how to carry yourself appropriately in the public space, even dress sense, how to address people properly, appearing for an interview, etc. In real life, three things help people succeed. They are technical skills acquired from school, soft skills and relational skills. If your soft and relational skills are lacking, it will be difficult for your technical skills to speak for you. Being first class students is just half way to their success.”
Sub dean of the faculty, Dr Oluwakemi Adewumi, who trained the students in dressing and general etiquette, said the seminar was aimed at filling the gap between what industries are looking for and the kinds of graduates produced.
She said: “Over time, we have discovered that there is a gap between what industries are looking for and what we are giving them. We identify that students need to be trained on those intangible things that you do not see and they matter. First impression matters and you might never have that opportunity to make another impression so they must know what is required of them if they are going for various kinds of interviews- formal or informal.”
Dr Adewumi lauded Nigerian students for their innate morality and politeness but noted that it was not enough in today’s corporate world.
Senior lecturer in the faculty, Dr Olusoji George said soft skills training was an important part of education that gave youths who study abroad an edge over Nigerian students in the labour market.
“In my years abroad, we teach the students soft skills. When I came to UNILAG, I noticed there is no room for soft skills. Having a first class does not guarantee a person a job. You must know how to behave and act, among others. UNILAG tuition fee is just N15, 000, so it is obvious that many of the parents cannot afford to send their children abroad where they can learn soft skills. As a recruitment personnel, I have never recruited a single homemade graduate. The worst we have seen is people doing their first degree here and their masters abroad. So instead of travelling out at such exorbitant rates, we are looking forward to other companies to facilitate trainings like this in Nigeria,” he said.
One of the participants, Samuel Enwezor, said: “I have learnt that some of the basic things that we think don’t count in the business world, actually count, like sitting posture, dressing, comportment, etc. As a result of this great programme, I see myself improving on my general day to day life.”
Adeniyi Aderinsoye also noted that he will work on his language, table manners and office etiquette.
