ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Bu Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Worried by the increasing rate of unemployment in the country, the McAnderson Institute of Technology, has urg3d youths to embrace technology in order for them to have gainfully employed jobs and mitigate unemployment in the country.

The Institute, recently hosted a tech event at the AfDB Centre, Covenant University, centered around the theme “Building a Global Tech Career.”

The event aimed to enlighten young individuals by showcasing how technology can reduce unemployment through access to remote tech positions.

It featured insights from industry experts regarding global career prospects and networking opportunities for attendees.

During the event, the Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun H. Adebayo, highlighted the pressing issue of youth unemployment, drawing attention to statistics from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

He said according to the ILO, young people aged 15–24, both in developed and developing countries, face significant challenges in securing employment.

According to him, “Their unemployment rate, three times higher than that of adults, profoundly impacts their lives and career trajectories.

“Shockingly, more than one in five young people, constituting 23.5%, are without employment opportunities.

“In a global context, Nigeria ranks second highest in youth unemployment, trailing only South Africa, as reported by The Spectator Index.

“This dire situation demands urgent intervention strategies. Experts advocate for equipping youths with skills and competencies tailored for the burgeoning global tech industry, currently the fastest-growing sector worldwide.

“The recent surge in demand for tech professionals necessitates that youths be adequately equipped in technology. As businesses have pivoted towards digitalization, demand has heightened for tech-savvy individuals to drive innovation and competitiveness.”

On his part, the Founder and CEO of McAnderson Institute of Technology, Mr. Akindayo Akindolani, who hosted the event, spoke passionately about the organization.

He said: “McAnderson Institute of Technology stands as a cornerstone in the realm of digital skills training, and providing remote talent to businesses and organizations

“With a clear mission to equip young individuals with industry-specific courses, McAnderson aims to cultivate a pool of skilled and employable youth within Africa.”

Akindayo spoke about McAnderson’s commitment beyond upskiling people through McAnderson but also providing support by connecting Talent to remote Job opportunities through Mackeet.

In the same vein, the Director of the International Office and Job Linkages and a featured speaker at the event, Dr. Isaac Akinwunmi, emphasized the significance of networking.

He stated that networking goes beyond mere acquaintance and that it “encompasses the depth of our connections and those they are linked with.”

He highlighted a statistic indicating that 23% of University of Exeter graduates who embarked on graduate-level employment in 2010 secured their positions through personal connections.

“This underscores the essential role of networking in career advancement” He noted.

Dr. Akinwunmi stressed that: “effective networking requires active engagement; one cannot navigate it alone. Your acquired skills must be visible to others.”

He advised attending events and meetings tailored to one’s interests and actively forging purposeful connections.

Dr. Akinwunmi emphasized the value of interpersonal relationships, noting that being surrounded by a supportive network is a blessing.

Recognizing that there are individuals with greater connections and experience, he encouraged leveraging these connections by showcasing one’s skills and capabilities. In essence, he concluded, “Your network determines your net worth.”

During his presentation at the AFDB hub at Covenant University, the Senior Business Program Manager Marketing and Communications at Microsoft ADC-West Africa, Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, highlighted key strategies for individuals seeking remote jobs.

According to him, “These strategies include crafting a strong digital presence through an optimized LinkedIn profile and a personal website or portfolio, mastering remote communication via professional email etiquette and virtual interview preparedness, and purposeful networking through participation in online communities and virtual events.”

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of remote skills such as self-discipline, time management, and adaptability in changing work environments.

Also, Information Security and Culture Change Director, McAnderson, Mr. Joseph Oluwaseun Benedict, spoke with the participants and encouraged them to develop their skills and to also validate it through professioal certificates.

He also offered them support and mentorship through the McAnderson mentorship programme that will guide them to becoming certified professionals.

Also speaking, the Digital Skills Program Manager at McAnderson, Mr. Ayobamidele Ajiboye, emphasized the array of training prospects open to attendees.

He provided the website link where attendees could apply for IT training programs on mymivant platform and explore job openings as well.

Additionally, he presented projects from trainees currently learning JavaScript Programming.