The University of Ibadan, in partnership with First Bank Limited, organized the University of Ibadan Career Fair 2023 on November 3 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The program themed “Global Careers: Navigating Opportunities Beyond Borders” was attended by graduates and students of the University of Ibadan, as well as other First Bank partners.
The program commenced promptly at 9 a.m. with the rendition of the national anthem and the UI anthem. Distinguished guests were then recognized. The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnership, Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose SAN, delivered the welcome address on behalf of Vice Chancellor Professor K.O Adebowale. Similarly, the CEO of First Bank Group, Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adedutan FCA, addressed the participants at the fair.
Following this, the Keynote Speaker, Innocent Obiwanne, who currently serves as the People and Culture Director at Japan Tobacco International, spoke extensively on the topic, “From Nigeria to the World: Evolving the Next Generation of Global Talents.”
After the keynote speech, a panel discussion was held with the topic “Equipping the Graduate of Today for The Future: Skills and Resilience.” The panelists included Mr. Tolulope Afolayan, CEO of GIS Consults, Dr. Ndidi M. Ofole, a lecturer in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Studies, and Gbolahan Jaiyesimi, Head of Career and Performance Management at First Bank. The panel discussion was moderated by Ronke Giwa of Vintage FM Ibadan, and the panelists engaged in an in-depth discussion and fielded questions from the graduates in attendance.
Ayotunde Ariyo of First Bank also delivered a speech titled “My First Bank Journey,” which traced his career progression from an executive graduate trainee to a relationship manager within 6 years. Rashidat Edidi Balogun, a graduate of Geography from the University of Ibadan, followed with her speech titled “Navigating the Corporate World Beyond the Classroom.” She, too, delivered a power-packed speech. Rashidat Edidi Balogun currently serves as the HR Business Partner at Reckitt Nigeria. After these speeches, the Chairman of the Career Fair Committee, Dr. Olutoyin Fashae, gave the vote of thanks, which was followed by group photographs and a presentation from First Bank.