OOU CAREER EXPO 1.0 AIMS TO BRIDGE GAP BETWEEN CLASSROOM, WORKPLACE

By Lateefat Shittu 

The OOU Career Expo 1.0 organised by Next Gen OOU, will take place on May 7 at the OGD Hall, Olabisi Onabanjo University, by 10:00 a.m.

The event is open to students, and participation is free. Interested participants are required to register through the link in the organisers’ social media bio via Instagram (nextgen_oou) and X (Twitter) (nextgenoou).

Speaking on the inspiration behind the event, Elijah Oduyemi explained that it was created to address the gap between what students learn in school and the realities of the workplace. According to him, while education within the classroom is mostly theoretical, the real world is practical, leaving many students unsure about their career paths and without access to industry insights or guidance on how to position themselves for opportunities.

He noted that the event is designed to be practical rather than just a talk session. It will feature masterclass sessions, keynote addresses, and panel discussions aimed at equipping students with relevant skills and a clear roadmap for their careers. Each session, he said, is structured to be intentional in building capacity and providing real value.

On the kind of guests and speakers expected, he stated that professionals from different industries such as career readiness and professional skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, tech, and digital space will be present. These speakers are individuals who have built professional careers and will share practical knowledge with students.

Highlighting the opportunities available, OLED said participants will have access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and internships.

On the long term impact, he stated that the event aims to help students become more intentional about building skills, exploring opportunities, and making informed decisions about their careers,finances and personal growth.

“You can be smart but not ready.it is about producing people that are smart and ready for the real world" .He said.

He advised students not to only gather information but to take action, remain consistent, and make use of the opportunities available to them.