By Hosea Parah

The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) (NIM), Maitama Chapter, in partnership with Baze University, has equipped graduating students with practical skills aimed at preparing them for a successful transition from the classroom to the workplace.

The maiden pre-graduation workshop, themed “Transitioning from the Academic World to the World of Work,” featured expert presentations on workplace readiness, financial intelligence, emotional intelligence, professional identity, and strategic networking. Speakers stressed that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient for career success, urging students to embrace adaptability, integrity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Speaking on “Building Professional Identity and Early Networking,” Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Daily News Craft, Dr. Obinna Nwachukwu, described professional identity as an individual’s personal brand built on character, competence, and integrity.

He encouraged students to intentionally cultivate strong professional reputations and invest in meaningful relationships, noting that networking often creates opportunities beyond academic credentials. He also advised participants to establish a credible online presence, attend professional conferences, join relevant professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Management, and maintain valuable professional connections through consistent engagement.

Earlier, Chairman of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Shittu Shaibu, challenged the students to bridge the gap between academic theory and workplace realities by developing practical competence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

Also speaking, Director at the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Babatunde Oresanya, emphasized the importance of financial intelligence, urging participants to adopt disciplined financial habits through budgeting, savings, prudent spending, and investment. According to him, responsible financial behaviour remains the foundation for sustainable wealth creation.

Delivering a presentation on emotional intelligence, NIM Council Member Lady Christie Eleojo Adejoh described emotional intelligence as a critical requirement for effective leadership and workplace collaboration. She encouraged graduates to develop self-awareness, empathy, communication skills, and healthy interpersonal relationships.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Baze University said universities provide academic knowledge, but graduates must also acquire adaptability, ethical leadership, creativity, communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning to remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving world of work.

He observed that advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence, and automation have transformed workplace expectations, making it essential for graduates to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn. He commended the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) for partnering with the university to prepare students for professional success.

Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Maitama Chapter, Lady Apollonia Akudo Odiah, said the workshop was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace realities.

She noted that academic excellence alone no longer guarantees career success, emphasizing that employers increasingly value creativity, resilience, teamwork, leadership, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Odiah further encouraged female students to confidently pursue leadership opportunities and participate actively in decision-making processes. She urged all participants to build strong professional networks, embrace calculated risks, and regard setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session during which students engaged the speakers on career development, workplace expectations, and professional growth. The event also featured the presentation of awards by the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), while participants described the programme as timely, practical, and highly beneficial in preparing them for successful careers after graduation.