Madonna Alumni urge students to prioritise skills over certificates

President of the Madonna University Alumni Association, Chuka Nwachukwu, has urged students to look beyond academic excellence and embrace skills as a vital tool for navigating the realities of today’s fast-evolving global economy.

Nwachukwu made this call while delivering the keynote address as a guest speaker at the 2025 Madonna University Career Day held recently at the university’s main campus in Elele, Rivers State.

Speaking on the theme, “Navigating the Future: Preparing for Careers in a Dynamic Global Economy,” he emphasised the changing nature of the job market, where employers now place increasing value on adaptability, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving.

“Today’s world demands more than paper qualifications; it demands a positive mindset, relevance, and readiness,” he said.

Reflecting on his post-graduation journey, the alumni president encouraged students to take responsibility for their career paths by acquiring both technical and soft skills.

He urged them to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, seek internships, complete digital certifications, and embrace learning beyond the classroom.

“In Nigeria, many lose opportunities not for lack of talent, but because of attitude. Think of yourself as a brand; what do you represent?

What value do you offer? Your certificate might get you into the room, but it’s your skills that will keep you there,” he added.

Nwachukwu subsequently committed the Alumni towards the construction of an ultramodern ICT Centre on campus.

He further disclosed plans to establish an Alumni Endowment Fund to mobilise long-term resources for this and other future-focused projects.

Nwachukwu assured of deepening collaboration between the alumni and the university.

“We are committed to building a vibrant alumni network that is active, empowered, and impactful, one that supports not only the university but also uplifts fellow alumni and creates opportunities for current students.”

The Career Day also featured an address by a former National President of the Alumni Association, Chima Achu, who encouraged students to maintain personal integrity, pursue excellence, and adopt lifelong learning as a strategy for personal and professional growth.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Casmir Anyanwu, praised the association for its support and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to producing graduates equipped with the skills, values, and resilience required to thrive in the 21st century.

The 2025 Madonna University Career Day concluded with networking sessions and a renewed connection between students and the growing alumni community.