Stop studying solely for office jobs, graduates told

University students and job seekers across the country have been advised to discard the traditional mindset that higher education is strictly a pathway to securing office desk jobs.

The call was made by Professor Opuda Asibo, the Chancellor of Victoria University, during the institution’s 10th graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

Addressing the congregation, Prof. Opuda cautioned graduands against underestimating the broader value of education, noting that both academic knowledge and extracurricular experience foster independence, global competitiveness, and a better understanding of the environment necessary for survival.

“For those of you who have already got jobs and you have come to earn master's degrees, please don't earn them for positions or for job security. I know that's what happens with most of us. You should consider it as a level of growth for yourself, and there should be a difference,” Prof. Opuda said.

He urged the new graduates to cultivate a habit of critical thinking, continuously review their decisions, take full responsibility for their actions, and clearly articulate their expertise.

He further encouraged them to rely on their inherent mental attributes—such as prediction, judgment, bias, and adaptation—reminding them that future success hinges on applying knowledge with creativity, integrity, humility, and presence.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Tim Abels, the Director of Innovation in the Data Center Solutions Group at Intel, urged the graduates to leverage emerging technologies, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), to innovate and create employment opportunities rather than relying on traditional job markets.

Mr. Abels highlighted that AI can streamline complex operations, saving time and costs while collecting and analyzing critical data for organizations.

Pointing to regional resource potential, Mr. Abels noted that data storage demands substantial energy, creating opportunities in clean energy and technology. He advised graduates to explore local mineral potential, such as uranium, by venturing into advanced manufacturing like battery production instead of exporting raw materials.

Furthermore, he counseled aspiring entrepreneurs to exercise patience when establishing business ventures rather than abandoning them early, emphasizing how modern automation allows tech-driven companies to scale efficiently.

Mr. Abels concluded by encouraging the graduates to identify pressing challenges within their communities and utilize AI-driven tools to transform those obstacles into practical solutions and sustainable enterprises.