The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has taken a significant step in preparing students for life after graduation with the maiden edition of Beyond the Campus, a flagship career development initiative designed to equip final-year students with the skills, mentorship, and professional networks needed to succeed in today’s fast-changing world of work.
Organised by the Office of Career Development Services (OCDS), the programme was held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Jelili Adebisi Omotola Multipurpose Hall, UNILAG. It brought together accomplished professionals, business leaders, and industry experts who shared practical insights into workplace realities and the competencies required to build successful and fulfilling careers.
Beyond the Campus: An Alignment with the Vision for Future-Ready UNILAG Graduates
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi Lesi, commended the OCDS for initiating a programme that aligns with the University’s vision of producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.
He described the initiative as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice through mentorship, industry partnerships, and practical career guidance.
Professor Lesi urged students to maximize the opportunity by learning from accomplished professionals whose experiences could shape their career journeys. He noted that while academic qualifications remain important, success in today’s workplace also requires resilience, adaptability, integrity, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Beyond the Campus: A Transformative Journey for Students – OCDS
In her remarks, the Acting Director of OCDS, Dr. Mojisola Manuel, described Beyond the Campus as more than an event, but the beginning of a transformative journey to help students confidently transition from the university into fulfilling careers.
She reaffirmed the readiness of OCDS to offer mentorship, career guidance, skills development, and strategic industry engagement to position students for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Dr. Manuel also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for her support and thanked the distinguished professionals who accepted to serve as mentors through the UNILAG Career Development Club.
Beyond the Campus: Industry Leaders Inaugurated as Patrons and Patronesses
A major highlight of the occasion was the inauguration and decoration of the following distinguished professionals as Patrons and Patronesses of the UNILAG Career Development Club in recognition of their commitment to mentoring students:
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). She was represented by the Public Relations Officer, NiDCOM Lagos Office, Mr. Anaele Chima.
- Mrs. Mo Abudu, Founder, EbonyLife Media
- Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder, Terra Kulture and BAP Productions. She was represented by the Strategic Growth and Partnerships Manager of Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, Ms. Deborah Egbekan.
- Barr. Adebola Agbaminoja, CEO, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board
- Mr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centre (OADC)
- Mr. Chukwuma “Chico” Aligwekwe, Group Programme Director, Classic FM and Founder, Chico Radio Workshop
In their goodwill messages, the honourees urged students to remain focused, pursue excellence, and position themselves for opportunities beyond the classroom through hard work, continuous learning, and purposeful networking.
Beyond the Campus: Mental Health and Workplace Competencies
Another key feature of the programme was a presentation on Navigating Life Purpose and Mental Health by Dr. Ololade Fadipe.
The presentation highlighted the importance of sound mental health in every sphere of life, and encouraged students to remain resilient and seek support when needed.
The programme also featured the unveiling of JobRed’s 12 Core Talents Framework, which introduced students to workplace competencies increasingly sought by employers.
Students were encouraged to cultivate leadership, effective communication, critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and sound character to complement their academic qualifications and enhance employability.
The maiden edition of Beyond the Campus marked the first major public engagement of Dr. Mojisola Manuel as Acting Director of OCDS. It sets the tone for a renewed drive to prepare UNILAG students for meaningful careers and lifelong professional success.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede / Michael
