Career Readiness Trends Among Final-Year Undergraduates in a Public University in Ibadan, Nigeria

The transition from university to the professional world marks a crucial stage, and being well-prepared for one's career is essential for success. However, existing literature indicates a gap between skills obtained through tertiary education and the realities of the world of work. Hence, this research explored the potential differences in how final-year undergraduates in Ibadan perceive their preparedness for careers, examining the impact of age and gender on career readiness skills. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study involved a sample of 320 final-year students from a public University in Ibadan, randomly selected to respond to a 35-item questionnaire. The results revealed that male students exhibited a higher degree of career readiness compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, the study showed that age did not significantly affect career readiness. Conversely, students rated themselves highly in teamwork, professionalism, and critical thinking skills, moderately in leadership, digital technology, and communication skills, while scoring lower in global and cultural fluency as well as career management skills. These findings underscore the need for enhanced career programs and guidance within tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Moreover, the study can offer valuable insights to policymakers for crafting strategies aimed at bolstering students' readiness for their future careers.