Jonathan was cited as making the plea in his speech as the Chancellor of Cavendish University, Uganda (CUU), during the institution’s 12th graduation ceremony, according to a statement released by his Media Adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja on Friday.
According to Jonathan, these partnerships would enable institutions and businesses to jointly build educational curricula that meet the demands of the modern labor market and encourage students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The demands of the employment market are always changing in today’s world, which is quickly evolving. Employers look for graduates with a strong academic background as well as the hands-on abilities and relevant work experience needed to succeed in their chosen industries.
“At this point, cooperation between academia and industry is crucial.
Partnerships between academia and industry support a dynamic environment that melds theory and practice. Universities and businesses can collaborate to jointly develop educational programs that meet the demands of the labor market.
“Students gain exposure to real-world challenges, develop a deeper understanding of industry dynamics, and enhance their employability through internships, cooperative education programs, and collaborative research initiatives,” Jonathan stated.
A platform for industry executives to share their knowledge, mentor students, and offer priceless insights into the inner workings of the corporate world, the former president continued, relationships between university and industry provide these opportunities.
According to Jonathan, graduates who tapped into the enormous pool of information and expertise were better able to adapt to the quickly changing environment and make significant contributions to their respective businesses.
Additionally, connections between academia and industry foster an entrepreneurial spirit among our graduates.
“They act as innovation incubators, creating a setting where students are inspired to think creatively, take calculated risks, and cultivate an entrepreneurial attitude.
These relationships, according to him, “provide a solid foundation for emerging entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful ventures by facilitating access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.”
Jonathan emphasized the importance of academic institutions collaborating with business leaders, staying current with trends, and modifying their courses to give students access to in-demand skills.
“At the same time, industries should actively contribute to shaping educational programs, offer internships and apprenticeships, and support research and development initiatives as a sure way to get a workforce that is productive,” he said.
In addition, Jonathan urged the graduating students to use the knowledge, abilities, and competencies they had gained at the university to promote positive change throughout their home nations.
Reminding them that “opportunities do not always favour those who have only the necessary skills and competencies, but more so those with integrity and character,” he cautioned the graduates to avoid taking short cuts and using cutting-edge techniques.
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