Think beyond limits, Bells students advised

By Vera Wisdom-Bassey

Students and young Nigerians have been advised to identify opportunities within the countrys challenges and position themselves for success in an increasingly multi-skilled and technology-driven world.

This charge was given by Yinka Adebayo, Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Media Group for West and Central Africa, as a guest speaker during a one-day career development programme organised by the Students Association of Bells University of Technology.

The event, tagged Career Kaleidoscope and themed Revolving and Thriving in a Multiskilled World, was held at the universitys BUPF Hall.

Adebayo encouraged students to put on their thinking cap and close the gap by identifying opportunities within Nigeria evolving economic landscape.

According to him, the modern world now rewards adaptability, creativity and strategic thinking rather than rigid career paths.

The world is revolving. Unlike before, when people stayed in one profession all their lives, today opportunities are everywhere. We now have medical doctors who are also Content Creators. Students must identify where the opportunities are, understand the gaps and strategically position themselves, he argued.

He advised students to begin planning their careers while still in school by building strong networks, gaining practical experience and developing personal brands.

Speaking on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, Adebayo noted that AI presents opportunities across professions including law, medicine and technology.

He maintained that education alone was insufficient for success, stressing that experience and networking were equally important.

Education gives you the foundation, but experience gives you growth, while networking helps you commercialise your skills and make impact, he stated.

Adebayo also described crises as opportunities for innovation, noting that many successful businesses emerged from solving societal problems.

Whenever there is a problem, there is a need for solutions. While some people are leaving the country, others are coming in because they see opportunities, he said, citing the recent acquisition of Guinness operations by the Tolaram Group as an example of investors identifying opportunities where others see difficulties.

Also speaking at the event, Aladenusi Adewunmi, Senior Product Designer at Flutterwave, identified skills shortage and migration of professionals, popularly known as Japa, as major factors widening Nigerias talent gap.

The people meant to guide younger professionals are no longer around. It is an ecosystem, structural and leadership problem, he said.

Despite the challenges, Adewunmi expressed optimism that increased mentorship; diversity and entrepreneurial thinking would improve the situation in the coming years.

Founding Partner at Wamiri, Tolu Alebiosu, urged students to think globally and develop solutions that address worldwide challenges.

The world is already globalised. Your competition is no longer just within Nigeria but across the world, he added.

Earlier, President of the Bells University Students Association, Olowo Covenant, said the initiative was designed to expose students to opportunities across industries and prepare them for long-term career sustainability.