Sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, Unilorin VC tells graduates

Graduates of the University of Ilorin have been urged to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills to contribute positively to the country and maximise their potential for self-development.
Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, professor of chemical engineering and vice chancellor of University of Ilorin, made the call at the 33rd convocation ceremony of the institution.
Abdulkareem, in his speech entitled, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s always a way’, observed that the desire to have access to luxury of life draws many youths to crimes.
“We are all aware that the era of ready-made jobs is over. You are expected to be pragmatic, innovative and proactive. The entrepreneurial expertise that you have acquired in this prestigious institution is an asset to the country, if you have the will to apply it uniquely in the outside world,” he said.
Embarking on any noble project and enterprise, according to him, is not a simple task, as it calls for preparation and sacrifice.
“You need to be focused, ingenious, as well as imbibe the virtue of perseverance. This will distinguish you for success in whatever area of life you find yourselves,” he said.
The vice chancellor, who stressed the need for graduates to have special ‘uncommon common sense’ to be able to make their voyage in the new life they are entering less difficult and more fulfilling, advised that ‘business with ethics’ should be their guiding principle.
“In the words of Juma Ikangaa: the will to win means nothing without the will to prepare. It is axiomatic that at present, the economic climate in Nigeria is unfavourable. How you comfort yourself in this trying time goes a long way.
He urged youths to be job creators, rather than seekers, in order to contribute to national development through public service and support, by judiciously utilising the talent and skills.

“Self-knowledge is a key to happiness. We can build happy lives on the foundation of our own natures, our own values and our interest.
“Our disposition to life matters a lot. ‘Never say never! Together we can make Nigeria great again. Once the will is there, the way is here,” said Abdulkareem

SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin