Graduates who acquire soft skills and basic knowledge in Information Technology stand a better chance for employment in blue-collar organisations.
These were the words of fast-rising Digital Media Strategist, Obeten Godfrey.
The young graduate of Computer Science in the University of Calabar made this known yesterday on his ‘Impact Series’ segment, where he motivates young people to utilise skills backed with innovation to proffer solutions to society.
Mr Obeten said he strongly believes that basic digital skills are the only escape route through which unemployment can be curbed.
His words: “Nigerian youths must look beyond certificates and intensify their knowledge of basic practical IT skills. The situation where a University graduate cannot operate a computer, write a CV, cover letter, statement of purpose or even understand the basics of Microsoft Word is alarming.”
According to him, the importance of acquiring relevant IT skills in an evolving world cannot be overemphasised.
“Getting a certificate is great, but 21st-century organisations and employers look beyond the certificates. Millennial’s are changing the way they handle recruitment. Beyond the certification, organisations and employers now want to see hands on the plough. What organisations now look out for in every potential employee is basic IT and problem-solving skills. They literally don’t care about your certificate or what you studied, all that matters to them is if you can deploy your knowledge into solving problems.
“As a matter of fact, people who possess basic knowledge of IT stand a higher and better chance of getting employed”.
Obeten called on youths and graduates to look beyond their university certificates, and acquire relevant skills if they must survive in the current dispensation.
He stressed the need for Universities to inculcate a high level IT skills set in students and redouble their efforts in making sure that graduates gain relevant knowledge beyond-the-classroom.
“On the other hand, our Universities need to do more on impacting their students with relevant practical IT skills. They need to redouble their efforts and go in-depth on instilling the basics of Information Technology on their students and beam lights on its relevance in the current revolving market.
He added that, if the Universities have failed and cannot impact these highly sought after skills set in graduates, the individuals can independently acquire these skills for themselves, at little or no cost.
“Fortunately, we are in a digital age, where everything you need is at your fingertips. With just your smartphone, you can access tools and learn several skills on-the-go.
“The future of jobs requires everyone to be equipped with strategic digital skills that will set them apart from others. So youths must begin to understand the rudiments of the 21st-century workplace and work towards acquiring the needed skills to survive in this era. This is the new normal and we can’t escape from it.”
