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By Hauwa Mohammed
Nigerian students have been advised to move beyond paper qualifications and develop skills that align with the demands of the modern job market.
This call was made during the Global Study Conference organised by Study In (SI), an international education facilitation platform committed to connecting students with top universities across the world.
The event, themed “Degrees with Direction,” was held in Lagos and it brought together hundreds of students, parents, educators, and representatives from foreign institutions including the University of Dundee, University of Sheffield, University of Reading, and others.
The conference aimed to help students understand how their academic degrees can be translated into career opportunities and global relevance.
Speaking during the opening session, the Country Director of Study In (SI) Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Agbu, explained that the organisation’s vision is to simplify the study-abroad process for Nigerian students by providing them with verified information, mentorship, and direct access to international universities.
She disclosed that Study In is of the belief that education should not end at obtaining a certificate but should serve as a foundation for practical skill development and innovation.
“Our goal is to guide Nigerian students to choose degrees that lead to real careers,” she said.
“We don’t just connect them with schools abroad; we help them align their academic choices with employable skills the world needs.”
The event featured a line-up of engaging sessions that addressed critical issues facing young students, from employability challenges to global career opportunities. The keynote address titled “Turning What You Studied into Skills the World Needs” set the tone for the day, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey by constantly seeking knowledge beyond the classroom and knowing their direction.
The guest speaker, Dr Henry Ogundolire who was representing the Dean of the Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka started with the famous African proverb, which states that if you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there. Which implies that a degree without direction is like a journey without a map. “Your degree serves as a litmus test,” he said.
Urging students to turn their learning into service, knowledge into impact and knowledge into skills the word needs.
Another major highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on “Career Pathways Unlocked by Your Degree.” The session featured representatives from top universities and industry experts who discussed how students can identify transferable skills from their courses of study and apply them in diverse professional fields.
The panelists stressed the importance of choosing the right school that aligns with their area of interest that will help in developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership alongside technical competence.
The second panel, themed “Inside the Hiring Room: What Employers Really Look For,” gave participants a rare insight into recruitment realities from an employer’s perspective.
The panelists explained that employers are increasingly prioritising problem-solving, adaptability, digital literacy and good attitudes when hiring young graduates.
In an interview after the session, another panelist, Mr. Odunayo reiterated the importance of what the message of his session was talking about.
“The world needs people who are deliberate in their course of study, have a glimpse of what they want to be and begin to work towards it,” the world is evolving faster than ever,” he noted.
Beyond the knowledge sessions, the conference also provided an interactive networking space where participants engaged directly with university representatives. Students explored available scholarships, study requirements, and career guidance from various international institutions.
The opportunity to speak one-on-one with admissions officers from schools like Dundee, Reading and Sheffield was particularly valued by attendees.
Several students expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and inspiring.
Through these sessions, Study In reinforced its reputation as a reliable guide for Nigerian students aspiring to study abroad while staying relevant in a competitive global workforce.
In his closing remarks, the country director commended the students for their enthusiasm and urged them to take bold steps toward their goals.
The global study conference ended on an inspiring note, leaving participants with renewed motivation to align their studies with the skills and experiences required for success in today’s rapidly changing world.
