The Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUEP), has intensified efforts to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace demands through a capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening career guidance, employability and practical skills development among students.
The initiative, organised by the University’s Career Services Centre, brought together senior management, academic and non-academic staff to explore ways of integrating career development into classroom instruction, university administration and student support services.
The programme, themed “Conscious Instructions and Administration for Students’ Career Development,” highlighted the growing responsibility of higher education institutions to prepare graduates with relevant competencies to navigate an increasingly competitive and technology-driven labour market.
Declaring the training open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noel Nen’man Ndalbeh Wannang, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Judith Dawulung, stressed the importance of preparing students for life beyond academic qualifications.
He said, “Effective career guidance is essential to helping students develop the skills, attitudes and competencies required for employment, entrepreneurship and professional advancement.”
The Vice-Chancellor noted that university education must go beyond theoretical knowledge to equip students with the capacity to make informed career decisions and respond to emerging opportunities.
Earlier, the Director of the Career Services Centre, Dr. Joshua Nehemiah Ndit, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Benjamin Lidimma Golkwi, emphasised the need for collective responsibility in preparing students for the world of work.
He said students needed practical life skills and appropriate guidance to navigate the opportunities and challenges awaiting them after graduation, stressing that career development should be a deliberate component of the university experience.
In her presentation, Dr. (Mrs.) Ada Arinze of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) highlighted the importance of intentional teaching that responds to changing labour-market demands.
She urged educators to align their teaching methods with workplace realities, promote appropriate specialisation and undertake regular curriculum reviews to ensure that students acquire relevant and marketable skills.
Similarly, the Director of Academic Planning at FUEP, Prof. John Gyang Chaka, examined the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in strengthening teaching and career administration.
He advocated a blended, technology-enhanced approach to career development, noting that access to relevant information and emerging technologies would help students make informed decisions about their professional futures.
In his remarks, the Registrar, Mr. Longtong Yadok, commended the Career Services Centre for organising the training and appreciated the resource persons and participants for their contributions.
Also speaking at the closing session, the Link Officer to Colleges, Mr. Manpan Dogara, who represented the Centre, expressed appreciation to participants and stakeholders for making the programme successful.
The initiative underscores FUEP’s commitment to strengthening the connection between academic learning and career readiness, with emphasis on equipping students with the knowledge, practical competencies and guidance needed to pursue employment, entrepreneurship and professional development after graduation.
