By AbdulQudus Abiola Ojomo and Zaynab Yusuf
* Says technology will be the major drive that will shape future of work
* As experts dissect managing mental health at workplace
The Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos witnessed an uncommon but a memorable event on Saturday, May 25, 2024 as the Graduate Members’ Association (GRAMA), an organ of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit hosted great achievers and big players in different professions from the Nigerian workspace.
Muslim News gathered that this year’s GRAMA Conference was the first of its kind since previous editions, as Muslim graduates from all professions were provided with the opportunity to upscale, network and meet with business and corporate professionals for entrepreneurship opportunities.
Technology will be the major drive that will shape the future of work – Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker, Mr Dimeji Salaudeen, Partner and Head, Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare at KPMG noted that technology will be the major drive that will shape the future of work.
Speaking to the theme of the Conference “The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Landscape” he said “Today, people work remotely, thereby reducing traffic on the road, personal stress and every other environmental factor.”
He further explained that since working remotely is effective and flexible, provided you have the necessary means and tools to be able to achieve it, then it’s not a bad idea.
Mr Salaudeen mentioned that work should be organised on the basis of skill-sets rather than job descriptions. He said “It is very important to have the right skill (both soft skills and competence) to be able to survive in this future of work. The future of work is evolving and we need to learn, unlearn and relearn the necessary skills required to be able to fit in this future of work.
“The future of work will see an increase in creative and social skills as automation takes over routine tasks. This shift will not only create new job opportunities but also requires significant re-skilling of the workforce”, he concluded.
Only two people will matter in the future workspace – Zulfah Academy Founder
The Founder of a Nigeria-based tech company, Zulfah Academy, Mr Abayomi AbdulRasheed Ajao emphasised the need for tech enthusiasts and young tech professionals to build their skillset. He said this during the panel session at the conference. He said “The challenge for new people coming in (to the tech industry) is about what they are able to bring to the table? Young guys need to spend a lot of time to gather the required skillset.
He continued that “Two people will matter in the future workspace: The builders and the users. The builders are the people that will build stuff, like accounting, lawyers and others. Software will not take their jobs but will rather challenge them to upskill or they go out of job entirely.”
Expert challenges professionals on basic skills
On his part, Mr Lateef Surakatu, Partner and Head, Business Advisory Services, Andersen Nigeria, challenged young Muslim professionals not just to be technically sound in their field of endeavour, but to have some other basic skills.
Speaking during a panel discussion, he said “Communication skills, emotional intelligence and similar skills will come together to assist you on your job. This is really lacking in our industry today. If you’re lacking in communication skills, emotional intelligence, if you’re not very tactful, if you don’t have self-awareness it will impact on the way you carry out your job. A lot of those who we interview today even when they are technically sound (in knowledge) we also find that they are lacking in these areas.”
Muslim youths must have clarity of career path: AMS
Similarly, Mrs Azeezah Muse-Sadiq, AMS as she fondly called in her closed circle, a partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms stated that young Muslims need to have a clarity of career path. She said “Part of what we struggle with (for young graduates) is lack of clarity. To resolve this, they should engage in internships.
She further emphasized that young Muslims professionals need to be confident, especially the ladies. She said “When I was interviewed at Banwo & Ighodalo, I was asked “Why should I employ you with a scarf on? I answered confidently “I am covering my head, not my brain”.
There is need for business plan: Tech guru
Mr. Rilwan Akeyewale, a business tycoon and founder, TechPlan Africa advised that business owners should get their business plans right before starting their businesses.
He noted that now is a critical time for young Muslims to start a businesses, considering the current economic situation of Nigeria.
He remarked that while there will always be competition, small scale business owners need not be intimidated because the big business owners already have their target audience, so they will always have their own space in the economy.
He advised small business owners to keep striving and know what works best for their own businesses but warned them not to go close to businesses forbidden by Allah.
You should be visible on your CV: HR Expert
Mr Mustapha Kelani, the Group Head of Human Resource, Dentsu Nigeria noted in his session that a lot of people still make mistakes while writing their CVs. He said “The first thing on your CV should be your name that can be searched on LinkedIn. If I can’t find you on LinkedIn, a recruiter can assume you are not a professional. Include your LinkedIn address (url)”. He further advised participants to check how good their CVs are by running a check on a website (https://www.roastmyresu.me).
Managing mental health at workplace is essential
The second panel session at the conference witnessed a renowned engineer, Engr. Faheed Oladeji and a public health pharmacist, Dr. Halimat Adedeji-Adenola talk on the essence of managing mental health at the workplace.
Engineer Faheed who is the Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Solutions and an MIT-trained engineer noted that it is important for managers to lead by example while managing their subordinates.
He said “The first thing is leading by example. For example if the MD rushes into the office, what will happen to the rest of us. Everyone will be unsettled because of the body language of just one person. So, for us as Muslims, it is not only about driving people to achieve results, but it’s also about taking care of their well-being.”
“People have different areas in which they excel, so, as a manager you have to be able to spot that.” He concluded.
On her part, Dr. Halimat Adedeji-Adenola advocated prioritisation of mental wellbeing of employees at the workplace.
, who is the Head of Pharmaceutical Services for Mushin Local Government under the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board said, “There should be policies in place and the workplace should normalise conversation around them. It’s a way of reducing stigma (about mental health). “And when you’re doing that, you’re not just helping your employees, you’re also helping your own productivity.”
The event was brought to a close with presentation of awards of merit to the panelists, facilitators and the keynote speaker.
Why the choice of theme: GRAMA President
President of GRAMA, Abdulkabeer Taiwo Kuye, while speaking on the choice of the theme during his welcome address, said it could not be more timely.
“As we stand at the crossroads of unprecedented technological advancement and evolving global dynamics, it is imperative that we, as graduates and future leaders equip ourselves with the skills and mindset needed to navigate and thrive in this new era.
“Our collective effort must focus on continuous learning, embracing innovation, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit to ensure that we not only adapt but lead in shaping the future of work.”
Kuye, who is a Manager, Advisory Services at KPMG urged the youths to seize the moment as an opportunity to become proactive architects of their careers, investing in their education, staying abreast of technological trends, and developing skills that are resilient to the fast-paced changes in the job market.
He urged the government and all stakeholders to upscale their role in creating an enabling environment, which he said cannot be overstated.
“We call upon you to prioritize policies that support education reform, infrastructure development, and digital literacy programs.
“Together, by taking decisive actions now, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to succeed and where our nation stands strong in the global economy. Let us commit to this journey with determination and faith, ensuring that our efforts today pave way for a prosperous tomorrow,” he said.
Plans ongoing for MSSN to own a consultancy and recruitment firm: Abiona
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Amir (President) of the MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, Mallam Kamoldeen Abiona noted that MSSN has moved beyond being a mere association for secondary and higher institutions students, stressing that the concept of “student” as envisioned by the founding fathers and as encouraged by Islam encompasses those who seek knowledge from cradle to grave.
Mallam Abiona said “The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN is an organization that takes care of students, including graduates because learning is a continuous endeavor. GRAMA represents the graduate members of the body.”
He continued that MSSN has several organs that cover its secondary school members, higher institution members (COHI) and Graduate Members (GRAMA) that focus on not just academics but also career development. He encouraged members of GRAMA go all out to develop their skills. “This Conference is an avenue for the attendees to be able to identify what they should focus on. It doesn’t end at the conference. GRAMA is looking at a mentorship programme for interested members.” He added.
Abiona informed that MSSN was working towards having a consulting and recruiting firm, saying MSSN (GRAMA) being a group of professionals is looking at having its own consulting and recruiting firm.
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