By David Akinmola
Aptech Nigeria has honoured more than 130 graduates at its first National Convocation in Lagos, with four outstanding students receiving international scholarship opportunities valued at about N60 million.
The inaugural convocation, held at the Sheraton Lagos on August 8, brought together more than 400 parents, family members, students, education partners, faculty members, industry representatives and other stakeholders from across the country.
Held under the theme, “One Milestone. Many Futures,” the ceremony marked a significant development in Aptech Nigeria’s effort to strengthen access to career-focused technology and vocational education in the country.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of four 50 per cent scholarships for eligible programmes at Middlesex University, United Kingdom, with each scholarship estimated at N15 million.
The combined value of the scholarships is approximately N60 million, providing the beneficiaries with opportunities to pursue further international education after completing their Aptech programmes.
The development underscores the growing importance of technology and vocational education in preparing young Nigerians for an increasingly digital and innovation-driven labour market.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Vice President and Head, International Business, Aptech, Dr. Kallol Mukherjee, urged the graduates to regard their graduation as the beginning of a broader professional journey rather than an endpoint.
“Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of new opportunities. Keep learning, believe in your potential and use your skills to create value and make an impact,” Mukherjee said.
He stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptability as technology continues to transform workplaces and reshape the skills required by employers.
The Special Guest of Honour, Nigerian actress, fitness advocate and philanthropist, Kate Henshaw, also challenged the graduates to deploy their acquired skills to create value and contribute meaningfully to society.
Henshaw, who was presented with the Social Impact Innovative Award under the NexVision Global Awards, an Aptech initiative, said the organisation’s investment in skills development had the potential to create lasting impact.
“Aptech has invested in lives. There’s a whole world out there waiting for the skills that all of these students have acquired,” she told the graduating class.
The convocation also highlighted the growing reach of Aptech’s operations in Nigeria, with partners representing more than 70 centres across the country attending the event.
The organisation said its extensive network reflects its commitment to widening access to practical, career-oriented education and equipping learners with industry-relevant technology and creative skills.
The event was particularly significant for Aptech as it coincides with the organisation’s 40th anniversary globally.
Over the past four decades, the institution has focused on career-oriented technology and creative education, seeking to equip learners with practical skills, professional confidence and opportunities for further academic and career development.
For Nigeria, the organisation said the national convocation represented an opportunity to showcase a new generation of graduates equipped to participate in an economy increasingly driven by technology, innovation and digital skills.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the skills mismatch confronting Nigeria’s labour market, with employers increasingly demanding technology-related competencies while young people struggle to transition from education into sustainable employment.
Industry stakeholders have consequently intensified calls for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and employers to ensure that training programmes provide practical skills that correspond with emerging labour-market requirements.
Aptech said its programmes were designed to bridge that gap by combining classroom learning with projects, examinations and career-oriented skills development.
Beyond the academic recognition, the convocation also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among graduates, parents, faculty members, centre partners and other stakeholders.
Cultural performances formed part of the ceremony, reflecting Nigeria’s diverse heritage while adding a local dimension to the international education brand’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
For Aptech Nigeria, the inaugural national convocation is expected to become an annual platform for recognising graduates, strengthening alumni networks and highlighting the role of vocational and technology education in developing Nigeria’s future workforce.
The organisation said the event was not only a celebration of the Class of 2026, but also a signal to thousands of students currently enrolled across its Nigerian centres that technology education can provide pathways to further studies, employment and entrepreneurship.
With the award of the N60 million international scholarships, Aptech also demonstrated how vocational and technology-focused training can serve as a pathway to international academic progression and professional development.
