The English and literary studies department of Federal University of Lokoja,FUL has launched Public Speaking program for the undergraduates of the department to sharpen their skills and unlock their potentials to mitigate graduates unemployment
The maiden Edition with the theme: FUL,-TALKS, “Unlocking Public Speaking” organized by the Department of English and literary studies held inside the multipurpose hall of the University on Friday in Lokoja.
Declaring the program opened, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Solomon Gbenga Ibileye noted that the essence of the seminar was to equip the undergraduates of English and literary studies with multiple skills to mitigate against graduate unemployment in the Country.
Represented by the Director of the directorate of media and strategic communications, Dr.Tosin Olagunju, said, in the world of uncertainty of getting paid employment, it has become imperative for students to arm themselves with multiple skills to navigate the employment crisis in the country.
The VC described the program as novel and first of its kind in the department adding that the initiative would instill confidence in the graduates to tap into the industry which is capable of creating source of livelihoods for teaming youths.
Prof. Ibileye reminded the students that gone were the days whena the place of the graduates of English and literary studies was in the classroom, reason why many students shy away from choosing the course, stressing that with the public speaking skills one can navigate to other area of human endeavors with purposive advantage.
He commended the leadership of the Department for the initiative and urged participants to make best use of the program for their success after school.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of English and literary studies, Dr. Peter Okpe an Associate Professor, said, the motive for the program was to change the narrative from previous approaches to the teaching and learning of English and literary studies which were largely theoretical as students find it difficult to put them into practice..
He said to this end, the Department has to create a platform so that the students can demonstrate what they have been taught.
According to him, “over the years people believed that graduates of English and literary studies only belong to the classrooms. We have to create this platform for students to believe that there is infinite possibilities beyond just teaching”
He commended the students for their excellent performance, saying from the Red Carpet session to discussion, advocacy, advertising and motivational sessions the moderator, and speakers were top-notch .
He charged the students to key into the door that has been opened for them to ensure that beyond learning there is practical aspect of it as there are defining possibilities inherent in the study of English and literary studies.
While stressing the importance of public speaking in contemporary Nigeria, urge them to harness these possibilities and skills, as sky will be their starting point.
The lead program anchor, Felicia Oyiza Usman, a 300 level and other supportive Masters of Ceremony, mesmerizes the audience with humourous and didactics diction of her voice, even as David Olufemi hit the waves with sonorous hush electrifying the auditorium, when Ebosele Evelyn punches nuggets with high sounding words causing uninterrupted laughter as people chorous , “this show is fantastic.
In a remark , a lecturer in the department and one of the organizers, Catherine Udok Banku, thanked the University Management and staff of the department for the opportunity created for the students to demonstrate what they have learned in the class.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of books writing by the Vice Chancellor, prof. Ibileye and cash awards to the star performers.
