Be resilient despite unemployment challenges – Gov Namadi tells graduates

The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, has charged graduating students of Sule Lamido University to uphold integrity and embrace innovation as they step into Nigeria’s competitive labour market.

He made the call while speaking at the university’s 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony held in Kafin Hausa on Saturday.

He acknowledged the challenges facing graduates in securing employment but expressed confidence in their ability to succeed.

According to him “Many of you may be facing the realities of the Nigerian labour market, but having gone through the rigours of this institution, I am confident that your resilience, skills and integrity will enable you to overcome obstacles and seize emerging opportunities,” he said.

The convocation ceremony marked the graduation of six cohorts of students spanning the 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 academic sessions, alongside the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished personalities.

Namadi described education as a critical driver of personal and societal development, urging the graduates to reflect values of hard work, discipline, and service to humanity wherever they find themselves.

“As you turn a new chapter in your lives, let your character reflect integrity, empathy and commitment to society. You must be worthy ambassadors of your alma mater and Jigawa State,” he added.

He commended parents, guardians, and the university’s academic and non-academic staff for their contributions to shaping the graduates.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening human capital development through sustained investment in education, skills acquisition and youth empowerment initiatives.

He noted that beyond formal education, the state government is also focusing on technical and vocational training as well as digital innovation to equip young people with relevant and market-driven skills.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Ibrahim applauded the state government’s continued support, which he said has contributed to improved learning conditions and academic excellence.