AE-FUNAI Guidance and Counseling Department Hosts 2025 Career Convention for Ebonyi Secondary School Students

The Department of Guidance and Counseling at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, successfully hosted its 5th Annual Career Convention, engaging secondary school students across the state on career pathways, personal development, and professional opportunities.

The event, held at the College of Education Staff Model Secondary School, Ndufu-Echara, Ikwo, carried the theme “Empowering the Minds, Inspiring Results”, emphasizing the department’s commitment to nurturing mentally-prepared, career-ready students capable of meaningful societal contributions.

Opening Remarks and Institutional Support

The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Rosemary Igbo, expressed her pleasure at participating in the programme, noting that the convention provides students with the knowledge, confidence, and direction necessary to navigate their future careers. She commended the department for sustaining the initiative and reinforcing AE-FUNAI’s broader vision of producing graduates who are both academically competent and career-minded.

Professor Sunday Abonyi, Dean of the Faculty of Education, represented by Dr. Michael Odoh, highlighted the importance of making informed career choices in an era defined by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He encouraged students to prioritize skill acquisition, continuous learning, and integrity over shortcuts and convenience.

Keynote and Career Guidance

The guest speaker, Professor Anthonia Onuorah, elaborated on the convention’s theme, stressing that great accomplishments begin in the mind before they manifest in reality. Her session covered areas including:

• Understanding mental empowerment
• Foundations of empowerment: knowledge and self-awareness
• Building a success-oriented mindset
• Translating empowerment into results through skill development
• Emotional intelligence as a driver of personal achievement

Professor Onuorah reminded students that empowerment is a lifelong journey and emphasized the importance of consistent effort, clarity, and resilience in achieving extraordinary results.

In a specialized health talk on Physiotherapy, Mr. Christian Eruomulo, a licensed Physiotherapy specialist, outlined the profession’s role in rehabilitation, pain management, and restoring mobility. He provided guidance on the necessary academic prerequisites, including credit passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English Language, and highlighted the profession’s rewarding nature in terms of societal impact and personal satisfaction.

Student Engagement and Feedback

The school’s senior prefect, Victor Ukpai, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation on behalf of students for the opportunity to host the event. He noted that the convention’s teachings enriched their perspectives on career planning and vowed to apply the lessons learned in becoming disciplined citizens and responsible future leaders.

Earlier, Dr. Ngozi Awoke, Acting Head of the Department, emphasized the importance of mental preparedness and adaptability in today’s competitive world. She encouraged students to understand their strengths and opportunities, stressing that the decisions made at this stage will shape their future trajectories.

Conclusion and Cultural Activities

The 5th Career Convention concluded with a drama presentation and dance performance, creatively illustrating the importance of informed career choices. The event successfully combined academic insight, professional guidance, and cultural engagement to inspire students toward purposeful decision-making and career readiness.

This annual initiative continues to position AE-FUNAI as a proactive contributor to youth empowerment and career development in Ebonyi State.