Concerned about the alarming rate of graduate unemployability in Nigeria, the Fola Ogunsola Foundation (FOF) has continued to intensify its efforts to address this growing crisis. While thousands of students graduate from tertiary institutions every year, many of them remain jobless—not due to lack of certificates, but because they lack the personal attributes that employers value most.

At a seminar recently held at Redeemer’s University (RUN), FOF brought this issue to the forefront, engaging with final-year students and recent graduates on the importance of attitude and character in securing meaningful employment. The event was part of the foundation’s wider agenda to equip young Nigerians with tools not just for survival, but for success in today’s competitive job market.

During the interactive session, facilitators emphasized that academic qualifications, although important, are no longer sufficient to guarantee a job. Increasingly, employers are seeking individuals with strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, reliability, and the ability to work in a team. In simple terms, what stands out in today’s workplace is not just what you know—but who you are.

Mrs. Fola Ogunsola, in her keynote address, pointed out that a good certificate may get you through the door, but it is your character that will keep you in the room. “We have seen graduates with impressive academic records lose opportunities simply because they lacked discipline, poor communication skills, or the wrong attitude,” she said. “Your attitude defines your altitude.”

The foundation encouraged students to pursue personal development with as much passion as they pursue academic success. Sessions included role-plays, self-assessment exercises, and real-life testimonies from professionals who shared how integrity, perseverance, and humility helped shape their careers.

Many students expressed how the seminar changed their perspective. One participant noted, “I always thought my degree would speak for me. But now I understand that how I present myself, how I relate with others, and how I handle challenges matters just as much—if not more.”

FOF continues to use platforms like this to mentor, inspire, and prepare graduates for life beyond the classroom. As the job market evolves, one thing remains clear—attitude and character are essential assets, and every graduate must begin to develop them intentionally.