Mobile Screen and Sound Technical Academy has graduated 56 students trained in sound engineering, multimedia installation, lighting design and control, stage design, creative production and value management.

The 10-week training programme was designed to provide employment opportunities, take young people off the streets, and equip them to be self-sustaining and to fit into the expanding event and creative technology industry, where such talents are needed.

Speaking at the maiden graduation ceremony held in Lagos, the Vice-Chancellor of Kola Daisi University (KDU), Ibadan, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, advised the graduating students to leverage their practical skills to create businesses, generate employment and contribute to Nigeria’s creative and technology-driven economy.

She said the institution’s partnership with the academy was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, adding that the training had equipped graduates with skills to create livelihoods and solve real-world problems.

She noted that education must prepare young people not only to seek employment, but also to create value, solve problems and create opportunities for themselves and others.

The Professor of Parasitology and Zoology described the academy as a meaningful bridge between academic learning and professional practice, saying universities must remain connected to realities beyond the classroom.

She noted that the event and creative technology industry is constantly evolving, adding that graduates must remain curious and committed to continuous learning to remain relevant.

Morenikeji congratulated the graduating students, saying that the certificates they received should not merely be framed or kept away, but should serve as reminders of the skills acquired and the responsibilities that came with them.

She urged them to be professional, dependable and creative, while respecting their parents, colleagues and mentors, and making excellence a guiding principle in their careers.

She also commended the academy for investing in the development of young Nigerians, describing the training facility as evidence of sustained investment and commitment to youth development.

She further urged the graduands to uphold the reputation of both institutions, saying their competence, professionalism and quality of work would determine how they were remembered after graduation.

She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the academy and to exploring more opportunities to equip young people with relevant skills for the future, urging the graduating students to approach their professional journey with confidence, humility, and a commitment to excellence.

Earlier in his remarks, the Academy’s Technical Director and Principal Consultant, Emmanuel Ibe, described the graduation ceremony as a historic milestone for both the organisation and the graduating students.

He noted that the ceremony marked an opportunity for the academy to give back by sending well-trained professionals into the industry and expressed appreciation to the management and the university for their support, while also commending the students for their commitment and perseverance throughout the training programme.

The Managing Director of MSS Limited, Tunbosun Kola-Daisi, commended the facilitators for their efforts and support towards the training, and the graduands for their professionalism.

He said: “What you have learnt has empowered you. Market yourself, don’t be too boastful. Start small and grow. You need to keep the flag flying and keep doing your best.”

He promised automatic employment to the five best graduating students.

Some of the facilitators at the training urged the graduands to remain open to opportunities, continuously develop their skills and uphold strong character and integrity as they begin their professional careers.