Graduate Guidance Group connects employers with graduates from UK schools

Graduate Guidance Group has created a platform where employers in Nigeria can meet talented Nigerian graduates from universities in the United Kingdom.

The Group organised the fourth edition of a career, alumni and networking event in Lagos, tagged #NGTalentUKEducated in partnership with nine universities in the UK for employers to meet Nigerian talents who have acquired international experience by studying in the UK.

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Emma Tarrant Tayou, founder of Graduate Guidance Group, said the event was opened up to all UK alumni who are present in Nigeria, irrespective of the institution they graduated from.

According to Tayou, the programme also allows alumni who are already settled in a career to join as mentors and to benefit from sessions such as the career goal-setting workshop and connect with the British Council’s Alumni UK platform.

She said the event is not only for those looking for employment but to support everyone with personal development and networking, and that it played host to employers that are looking to fill certain positions in their companies.

Tayou said the platform shows that many alumni are not necessarily looking to meet new employers but are more interested in developing themselves.

She said the career and goal-setting workshop was introduced to cater for this category of persons and that it was opened to all alumni.

Wole Ibukun, an alumnus of Queens University UK, said the programme provides alumni with the right base to kick-start their careers when they return to Nigeria from abroad.

“Programme like this helps to bring everyone including universities, employers, those who want to further their education and those looking for employment in one room. I have benefitted from it, and I believe it is a good opportunity for others as well,” Ibukun said.

He said though Nigeria is grappling with the Japa syndrome, some graduates from abroad are coming back, and bringing their expertise to help the country. He said the event is an opportunity to show that many Nigerian graduates are coming back.

Tobi Odukoya, an International Alumni Ambassador for Nottingham University, said they want to harness the alumni community and create awareness of others making waves, thereby creating partnership and collaboration among them.

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On his part, Damilola Abati, head of marketing, Jobberman, said the firm is partnering with the organisers to provide the right manpower to drive the economy, adding that the firm is also there to identify talents and connect them to employers.