MSS Academy Graduates 56 Youths in Event Technology

The Mobile Screen and Sound (MSS) Limited Technical Academy has graduated 56 students from its intensive 10-week training programme in sound engineering, multimedia installation, lighting design and control, stage design, creative production and value management, in a significant push to equip young Nigerians with employable skills and reduce youth idleness in the country.

The maiden graduation ceremony, held in Lagos, marked a milestone for the academy, which was established to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice by preparing young people for opportunities in Nigeria's rapidly growing events industry. The graduates received certificates after completing a rigorous curriculum that combined theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training, equipping them with the technical competencies required to excel in the creative and technology-driven economy.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Prof. Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji, advised the graduates to leverage their newly acquired practical skills to create businesses, generate employment, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's creative economy. She described the academy as a meaningful bridge between academic learning and professional practice, stressing that universities must remain connected to realities beyond the classroom.

"Education must prepare our young people not only to seek employment but also to create value, solve problems, and create opportunities for themselves and others," Morenikeji said. She explained that the institution's partnership with the academy was designed to equip graduates with skills capable of creating livelihoods and solving real-world problems. The Professor of Parasitology and Zoology noted that the event and creative technology industry is constantly evolving, stressing that graduates must remain curious and committed to continuous learning to remain relevant in the field.

"Do not limit your dreams to getting a job. Build something, create something and offer something of value. Your skills can become the foundation of businesses that employ other young people and contribute to Nigeria's development," she urged the graduates. Morenikeji congratulated the graduating students, saying the certificates they received should not merely be framed or kept away, but should serve as a reminder 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.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the management of MSS Event Tech Academy for investing in the development of young Nigerians, describing the establishment of the training facility as evidence of sustained investment and commitment to youth development. She reaffirmed Kola Daisi University's commitment to strengthening its partnership with MSS Event Tech Academy and exploring more opportunities to equip young people with relevant skills for the future.

In his remarks, the Academy's Technical Director and Principal Consultant, Emmanuel Ibe, described the graduation ceremony as a historic milestone for 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 thanked 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 and CEO of MSS Limited, Tunbosun Kola-Daisi, commended the facilitators for their efforts and support towards the training as well as the graduates for their professionalism. "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 said, adding that the training is continuous. He described the events industry as a major contributor to the economy and a sector with significant youth participation, stressing the need to deliberately prepare young people to take advantage of opportunities within it.

Kola-Daisi said the training could also contribute to economic growth by enabling graduates to earn incomes, support their families, and eventually create employment opportunities for others. In a move that underscored the academy's commitment to rewarding excellence, he promised automatic employment for the best five graduating students. The announcement was met with applause from the graduates and attendees, who recognised the significance of the gesture in a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge.

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. They encouraged the graduands to take pride in their training at MSS and use their talents to make a positive impact on others. "You must remain creative, refine your skills and let the quality of your work speak for you. Certify your talents, do not be selfish, consider others and be willing to share your knowledge and opportunities with them," they advised.

The graduation of the 56 students represents more than just the completion of a training programme; it is a testament to the potential of targeted, industry-focused education to transform lives and create pathways to employment. For the graduates, the skills they have acquired in sound engineering, lighting design, stage production, and multimedia installation position them to compete for opportunities in a sector that is increasingly central to Nigeria's cultural and economic life. As the events industry continues to expand, initiatives like the MSS Technical Academy will play a critical role in ensuring that young Nigerians are not just spectators but active participants and leaders in the creative economy.