The Fola Ogunsola Foundation’s Graduate Finishing School has been making significant waves in Nigeria’s education and employability landscape. Recently featured on Nairaland.com, one of the country’s most visited online forums, the initiative was praised for its impactful approach in preparing graduates for real-world challenges beyond academics.
The FOF Graduate Finishing School was created to address a growing concern: that many university graduates in Nigeria lack the essential soft skills, emotional intelligence, and workplace readiness to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. While many leave the university with degrees, few are truly equipped to contribute effectively from day one in a professional setting.
“We recognized that the gap between graduation and employment is growing wider,” said Mrs. Fola Ogunsola, founder of FOF. “Our finishing school is designed to fill that gap by training graduates to be competent, confident, and career-ready.”
The program offers practical training in areas such as:
- Workplace communication
- Time and conflict management
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Interview techniques and CV writing
- Entrepreneurial thinking and digital skills
The Nairaland article highlighted testimonials from participants who shared how the program transformed their approach to life and employment. Many expressed that it wasn’t until they attended the Finishing School that they understood the importance of attitude, discipline, and self-presentation in the corporate world.
One participant shared:
“The FOF Finishing School changed my entire mindset. I now understand what employers are looking for, and I feel much more confident facing job interviews and taking initiative in team projects.”
The Foundation also leverages industry professionals and experienced facilitators to deliver training sessions, ensuring that students receive current and practical insights into the expectations of modern employers. The school adopts a blended learning approach with workshops, mock interviews, role-playing sessions, and mentoring.
The recent buzz on Nairaland has brought wider attention to the impact of the Finishing School, with more graduates and institutions expressing interest in replicating or partnering with the FOF model.
Mrs. Ogunsola concluded,
“Our mission is simple — to prepare young Nigerians not just to get jobs, but to excel in their careers. The finishing school is our commitment to building a future where Nigerian graduates are not just employable but indispensable assets in the workplace.”