UK Varsities Hold Career Fair for Nigerian Alumni in Abuja
About 19 universities in the UK held a career fair at the weekend in Abuja to link their Nigerian graduates with top employers in the country. The fair with the theme ‘Nigerian Talent, UK Educated’ had at least 15 top companies in Nigeria in attendance.
The Regional Manager, West Africa External Operations, University of Nottingham, Mrs. Emma Tarrant Tayou while briefing journalists said the companies present comprised private companies and international organisations.
She said the fair affords the alumni an opportunity to use the skills that they have gained in the UK to the benefit of organisation and development in Nigeria, as well as for leading employers to meet with graduates with world class education and experience.
“In the 19 universities alone, 10,000 and 15,000 Nigerians have registered. So a good number of our alumni returned to Nigeria to work and find opportunities to use the skills that they gained in the UK. Today, we have had over 300 alumni registered and there is no limit to the number. Some of them are already employed but are looking at other opportunities.”
Also speaking, the International Officer, University of Essex, Arinze Odiari said the event demonstrated the commitment of UK universities to their graduates. He recalled that the maiden edition held in Lagos with success recorded.
“What can be more rewarding and mutually beneficial for graduates and employers alike than to be together under one roof. Employers are looking for graduates with world class education and with experience in global standards, and here we have Nigerian graduates who are looking to apply the education and skills acquired to the development of their great nation. It is a win-win for Nigeria.
“We promised to make this an annual event, we promised to extend it to graduates based outside of Lagos and that is why we are here in Abuja today,” Odiari said.
He added that the initiative will reduce the issue of brain-drain in the country, saying that there seems to be unemployment in the country because of the problem of finding the right person with matching skill to fill available vacancies.
Some alumni at the event said the fair was an opportunity to meet with potential leading employers and also network with colleagues.
Halima Jafiya, a graduate of Psychology from the University of Essex said “my expectation is to network with other alumni and speak with potential employers. I think this idea is great, it is a hub to harness Nigerians educated abroad. Our country needs us, Nigeria is a great place with so much opportunities.”
Similarly, Samson Abiona, a graduate of MSc Management and E-business from Nottingham Trent University said he expects to network and meet top Nigerian and international companies
“I got the notification for this career event last week and I expect to see a lot of international organisations come around and some Nigerian companies come around to select good talents. I also expect to do a lot of networking, to brainstorm on ideas. I came back to develop my country with the skills I have acquired.”