The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has urged university students and graduates to prioritise the development of practical skills, teamwork, and effective communication, noting that employers increasingly value these attributes over academic certificates.
She made this call on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, during her keynote address at the Career Readiness Workshop organised by the Centre for Mentorship and Career Development at Kaduna State University (KASU).
Speaking on the theme “Life After Graduation: Navigating Challenges, Exploring Career Opportunities, and Building a Path to Success,” Dr. Balarabe emphasised the importance of continuous self-development. “In today’s workplace, digital competence is no longer optional – it is essential,” she said, citing the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and digital collaboration tools in modern careers.
She encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and innovation, viewing education as a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, reaffirmed the university’s competitiveness and commitment to academic excellence. Also speaking at the event, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Mohammed Sani Bello, lauded KASU’s leadership in several disciplines and commended the Centre for guiding students toward meaningful career paths.
Represented by the Barde Kerarriyan Zazzau, Arc. Haruna Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, HRH Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and essential in addressing the career preparedness gap among graduates. He urged students to take full advantage of such platforms, stressing that character, discipline, and resilience are just as important as academic qualifications in building successful careers. The Emir also expressed his confidence in KASU’s efforts to equip students with the right mindset and tools for the future.
The Director of the Centre, Dr. Bashariya Baba Mustapha, highlighted the Centre’s role in preparing students for life beyond the classroom, thanking stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.
The students were taken through various topics including Character Presentation: Building Integrity and Professionalism by Prof. Ayodele A. Omengala, Interview Skills for Career Success by the Registrar of KASU, Samira Balarabe, Esq., Impact of Social Media in Career Opportunities and Employability by the Managing Director, Kaduna State Media Corporation, Mal. Ahmed Maiyaki, and Curriculum Vitae Presentation by the Secretary, College of Postgraduate Studies, KASU, Mr. Lucky Kantoma.
The event also featured a vibrant panel discussion where industry experts and professionals shared valuable insights on navigating the transition from academic life to the world of work.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strategy, Innovation and Service Delivery, Prof. Helen Afang Andow, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all dignitaries, facilitators, and participants for their presence and invaluable contributions. She specifically thanked the Deputy Governor for her inspiring keynote address, describing it as a wake-up call for students to focus on developing 21st-century skills. Prof. Andow commended the Centre for Mentorship and Career Development for its proactive approach in empowering students and pledged the university’s continued support toward initiatives that enhance graduate employability. She concluded by encouraging students to reflect deeply on the lessons learned and to take deliberate steps towards building successful, purpose-driven careers.