English graduates have been urged to look beyond the traditional career paths associated with their degree and continually develop new skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The call was made at the maiden reunion of the University of Lagos Department of English Alumni, where alumni, academics and professionals discussed career development, the changing relevance of English studies and opportunities available to graduates in the global workplace.

The speakers stressed that holding a degree in English should not limit the professional opportunities available to graduates, urging them to embrace lifelong learning, adaptability and continuous self-development.

Professor of Digital Linguistics and Discourse, Tunde Ope-Davies, on Friday urged graduates of the Department to remain resilient and committed to continuous growth, citing his own academic journey as an example of the importance of perseverance and self-investment.

Speaking at the maiden UDEA reunion, Ope-Davies also recounted how a scholarship to Germany influenced the direction of his research, according to a release shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday.

He attributed his guiding principles to values such as grit, discipline, faith and perseverance, while noting that he had made significant personal sacrifices, including using his personal funds to help establish a programme he was involved in building.

Also speaking at the event, the Group Executive of The Alternative Bank, Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and career adaptability, stressing that a first degree should not determine the limits of their professional aspirations.

Ozoemene delivered the reunion lecture titled, “Unlocking Global Opportunities with English Studies: The Akoka Legacy,” at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.

Reflecting on his transition from studying English to occupying leadership positions in the banking sector, he said, “Your starting point does not determine your destination, what determines your destination is your willingness to learn, to adapt, and to invest in yourself as a student. Learn new things, understand new markets, build new networks.

“Every shift should be a deliberate choice rather than a departure from your academic foundation.”

Speaking about the role of English studies graduates in an increasingly AI-driven job market, Ozoemene said the future of artificial intelligence extended beyond technology to contextual decision-making, critical interpretation and complex social interaction.

He also urged members of the university community to prioritise integrity, patience and self-investment, advising graduates to regularly assess their personal progress.

Veteran actress, Joke Silva, said technology was advancing rapidly without sufficient attention to people, urging English graduates not to view teaching as a second-choice profession.

“If you get the opportunity to teach, grab it with confidence,” she said, adding that Nigeria remained too relaxed about developing its next generation of teachers.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented at the event, called on the university community to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students.

Categories: Education, News, Career

Tags: UNILAG, English graduates, AI, career development, Tunde Ope-Davies, Jekwu Ozoemene, Joke Silva, University of Lagos, lifelong learning