By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, has been announced as the guest lecturer for the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), scheduled for Friday.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, revealed this in Akure, noting that Kayode — a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Labour and Productivity — will speak on the topic: “Strategies and Tactics for Solving Skills Challenges in Nigeria: The Roles of Government, Institutions and the Youth.”

Oladiji said the lecture will be delivered during the award presentation of degrees to 2,747 graduating students, a deviation from the tradition of holding convocation lectures on separate days.

She explained that previous arrangements prevented many graduating students from benefiting from the lecture, despite convocation lectures being primarily designed for them.

“For the first time in the history of FUTA, the convocation lecture will be delivered on the day of the award presentation so that most of the graduating students will be available and can benefit from it,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor emphasised the relevance of the topic, stressing that many Nigerian graduates remain unemployed not due to lack of job openings but because of inadequate practical skills.

“That is why the topic of this lecture will equip students with the knowledge of how to acquire practical skills that will make them employable,” she added.

She expressed confidence that the lecture would inspire the graduating youths as they transition into the next phase of their lives.

Oladiji said Kayode was selected due to his vast experience and exposure, having served in several key government positions, including Minister of Culture and Tourism, Minister of Labour and Employment, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Minister of Defence.

“Our decision to choose Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, as the guest lecturer this year was informed by his rich administrative experience, scholarly depth, and national service across various ministries,” she said.