University of Lagos former students urge English majors to rethink their skills for upcoming job opportunities

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Members at the maiden reunion of the University of Lagos Department of English Alumni, have called on graduates to embrace lifelong learning and career adaptability, stating that a first degree does not limit the different type of professional paths available to them.

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Professor of Digital Linguistics and Discourse, Tunde Ope-Davies, on Friday “urged graduates of the department to remain resilient and committed to continuous growth, reflecting on his own academic journey as an example of the value of perseverance and self-investment.”

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Speaking at the maiden UDEA reunion, Ope-Davies recounted “how a scholarship to Germany shaped his research direction,” a release shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday stated.

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According to the release, the reunion brought together graduates, academics and professionals to discuss career development, the evolving relevance of English studies and opportunities available to graduates in a changing global workplace.

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He attributed his guiding principles to “values including grit, discipline, faith and perseverance, and said he made significant personal sacrifices, including using personal funds, to help establish a programme he was involved in building.”

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Also speaking at the event, the Group Executive of The Alternative Bank, Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, encouraged graduates to “embrace lifelong learning and career adaptability, stressing that a first degree should not define the limits of their professional aspirations.”

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Delivering the reunion lecture themed, “Unlocking Global Opportunities with English Studies: The Akoka Legacy,” at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, Ozoemene reflected on his transition from English studies to leadership roles in banking.

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“Your starting point does not determine your destination, what determines your destination is your willingness to learn, to adapt, and to invest in yourself as a studen. Learn new things, understand new markets, build new networks.

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“Every shift should be a deliberate choice rather than a departure from your academic foundation,” he said.

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Speaking on the place of English studies graduates in an increasingly AI-driven job market, Ozoemene said the “future of artificial intelligence extends beyond technology to contextual decision-making, critical interpretation and complex social interaction.”

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He also urged the university community to prioritise integrity, patience and self-investment, advising graduates to regularly review their personal progress.

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Veteran actress Joke Silva said technology was advancing rapidly without sufficient attention to people, urging English graduates not to regard teaching as a second-choice profession.

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“If you get the opportunity to teach, grab it with confidence,” she said, adding that Nigeria remained very relaxed in developing its next generation of teachers.

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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented at the event, called on the university community to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students.

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