Some graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos State Study Centre, have expressed optimism about securing jobs after graduation.
They urged governments at all levels to create more job opportunities and support businesses to curb unemployment.
They spoke with reporters on the sidelines of NOUN’s 15th Convocation, held simultaneously at the university’s headquarters in Abuja and at various study centres via live streaming.
A graduate of Public Health Science, Ms. Elizabeth Ositadinma, thanked God for completing her studies despite earlier challenges with suspended results.
“I am looking forward to getting employment and contributing my quota,” she said.
A Computer Science graduate, Mr. Samson Abiodun, said he was hopeful about securing employment and had already applied to several companies.
“Government should support graduating youths by creating opportunities,” he added.
Similarly, an Economics graduate, Mr. Kingsley Achukwu, said he was excited and hoped to pursue a career as an economist.
“Getting educated and developing yourself helps build the economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of NOUN Lagos Study Centre, Prof. Alero Akinjobi, wished all graduates success in their respective endeavours.
“For all that they have acquired, they will be able to make a positive impact on society,” she said.
Earlier, the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, described the convocation as “ceremonial in form, but profound in meaning.”
He urged the graduates to make their success significant, stand firm in truth, and excel in humility, adding that their graduation should reflect not only learning but also character.
A total of 24,575 graduands were awarded various qualifications, including 17,474 undergraduate degrees, 1,788 postgraduate diplomas, 5,282 master’s degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees.
Among the undergraduate graduands, 57 earned First Class Honours, 2,505 Second Class Honours (Upper Division), and 8,541 Second Class Honours (Lower Division).
