By Fatima Saka
The First Class Muslim Foundation (FCMF) has urged Nigerian first-class graduates to resist the growing “japa” trend and deploy their knowledge, skills and innovation toward building the country.
The Chairman of FCMF, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, made the call on Sunday at the closing of the eighth M-First Series Workshop in Ikeja, Lagos.
Ogunmuyiwa said Nigeria’s largely untapped economic potential offered significant opportunities for outstanding graduates willing to apply their talents locally.
“Having a first-class degree does not mean you can only excel outside Nigeria. Gain experience abroad if necessary, then return and contribute,” he said.
He also noted that increasingly competitive labour markets abroad were making migration less attractive than many young Nigerians believed.
“Jobs are no longer readily available in Europe and elsewhere, prompting people to return home in search of opportunities,” Ogunmuyiwa said.
The three-day workshop brought together 50 first-class graduates from across Nigeria for mentorship, networking, career guidance and professional development sessions.
He encouraged the participants to explore opportunities in both academia and industry, stressing that academic excellence could open doors to diverse professional careers.
“Earning a first-class degree does not mean you are limited to lecturing. There are opportunities in both academia and industry,” he added.
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, urged the graduates to embrace integrity, responsibility and vision as they prepared for leadership roles.
Former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye, challenged them to become creators of opportunities rather than wait for opportunities to come to them.
“Opportunity does not knock. Build a door and break it open. Leverage every opportunity that comes your way,” Olaleye advised.
Similarly, the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Controller at Baker Hughes, Mr Mutiu Adelu, emphasised the importance of goal alignment, adaptability and flexibility in achieving career success.
“Whatever is not taking you closer to your set goal is taking you farther from it. You must be flexible and adaptable,” Adelu said.
Omnicom Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Mr Faheed Olajide, advised the graduates to make informed decisions by gathering adequate information before embarking on major career or life choices.
“Today is a bundle of your past decisions. Gather as much information as possible before taking any decision,” Olajide said.
KPMG Nigeria Partner, Olabimpe Afolabi, spoke on developing professional niches and building sustainable career pathways, while Prof. Ismail Ibraheem of the University of Lagos discussed global certification opportunities and the value of internationally recognised skills.
The Grand Mentor of the Nasir Giwa Mentorship Programme also encouraged the participants to remain resilient, focused and determined in the face of challenges.
Founder of Hearthub Solutions, Mrs Bushra Bombata, addressed marriage and mental wellness, urging the graduates to be intentional in relationships and life planning.
“Know where you are going; it makes finding the path easier. Intentional care remains important in sustaining relationships,” Bombata said.
The workshop concluded with a five-year presentation plan and presentation of certificates by the MTN Nigeria Chief Financial Officer, Mrs Modupe Kadiri.
One of the participants, Miss Sumayyah Sikiru, a Mass Communication graduate of Lagos State University, described the programme as impactful and transformative.
Sikiru said the workshop exposed participants to valuable lessons on leadership, clarity, personal development and identification of their core competencies.
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She commended FCMF for organising the free programme and urged the foundation to engage more specialists as mentors in future editions.
Another participant, Mr Ibrahim Ridwan, a Plant Science graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, praised the workshop for providing practical insights beyond academic qualifications.
“The workshop broadened our understanding beyond certificates. My goal is contributing through genetic engineering and advancing food security in Africa,” Ridwan said.If you want, I can also make the headline **more punchy and newspaper-style**, while keeping the story in NAN-style format.
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