Canadian Educational Council Director Urges OAU Students to Prioritise Skills and Mindset

Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi

Obafemi Awolowo University recently hosted the Mindset Conference titled “The Blueprint: Mastering Academics, Hustles and The Future You”, held on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at the ICT Conference Hall. The event was organised by the Education Economics Students Association of Nigeria (EESAN), OAU chapter, with Dr. M.O. Ajibade also playing a key role in hosting the program.

The conference featured keynote speeches from Dr. Adeniyi John, Country Director of the Canadian Educational Council, alongside panelists including Abayomi Awosika, Ganiyu Yusuf, and Llo Fathia.

Dr. John began his speech by engaging the audience with questions about their mindset towards life, encouraging participants to reflect on their personal outlooks. He emphasized that having a clear mindset is crucial for students, noting that every academic journey should start with a statement of purpose. “Why am I in school? Why am I in the university? That is your driving force,” he said.

Highlighting the challenges of balancing academics, side hustles, internships, and lectures, Dr. John stressed the importance of effective time management and self-motivation. He described OAU as a legacy institution known for producing innovations and transformation, and assured students that their presence at the university was not by accident. He also announced that the Canadian Educational Council had recently signed a partnership with OAU to complement the university’s efforts in student development.

Dr. John expressed concern about the employability of Nigerian graduates, stating that many human resource managers are dissatisfied with graduates’ readiness for the job market. He argued that artificial intelligence (AI) is widening the gap between high- and low-performing students, depending on how it is used. “AI is good depending on its application. The most intelligent become more intelligent, and the dull become duller,” he said.

He further noted that employers are less interested in class of degree and more focused on practical skills and experience. “First class alone does not guarantee employment. Employers want to know what you can do, not just what you scored,” he said. He advised students to gain work experience through volunteering, internships, and campus hustles, adding that years spent on such activities count as valuable experience.

Dr. John revealed that 55 percent of fresh graduates lose their jobs within six months due to lack of practical skills. He encouraged students in the Faculty of Education and beyond to adopt a positive mindset and not take themselves too seriously, referencing a previous event where all participants, regardless of profession, were encouraged to dance and network.

Dr. John warned that a B.Sc. degree alone no longer guarantees a secure future, likening it to a primary school certificate. He stressed the importance of acquiring practical skills such as digital marketing, cyber security, comedy, and even dancing, stating, “It is only skills that you can practice in the outside world.”

Addressing the job market, Dr. John challenged the notion that there are no jobs in Nigeria, arguing that those with the right mindset and skills can succeed regardless of background. He urged students to develop confidence, be intentional about their career goals, and be prepared to articulate the value they bring to potential employers during interviews.

He announced that the Canadian Educational Council is working with Nigerian universities to establish international career centers, aiming to connect students with local and international job opportunities. He added that OAU students would soon be able to access a dedicated internship portal to gain experience and earn certificates that enhance their resumes.

Dr. John compared Nigerian students with their Canadian counterparts, noting that while Nigerian students juggle academics and hustles, Canadian students benefit from systems that allow them to work and learn simultaneously. He called for similar opportunities in Nigeria and revealed ongoing advocacy at the Ministry of Education to allow students more time for career development.

He concluded by urging students to see hustling as a career path, not a distraction, and to align their side businesses with long-term goals. He encouraged them to monetize their talents, build digital skills, and avoid underemployment by actively seeking opportunities online and networking. “You are the blueprint. Study, hustle, build and lead. The future is digital, and you must develop the confidence to live globally, not just locally,” he said.

The conference ended with a question-and-answer session, where Dr. John addressed students’ concerns and reinforced the message that mindset, skills, and experience are key to mastering academics, hustles, and the future.