AFUED, Canadian Education Council Partner to Establish International Career Centre

Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Canadian Education Council (CEC) for the establishment of an International Career Centre (ICC) aimed at enhancing career development, employability and job readiness among students and recent graduates of the University.

The partnership agreement was announced during a meeting between the AFUED Management and representatives of the Canadian Education Council at the Old Council Chamber, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, on December 18, 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, the CEC representative, Dr. Adeniyi John, explained that the proposed International Career Centre, when fully operational, would serve as a structured platform for aligning academic outcomes with global workforce expectations. He noted that the initiative would equip AFUED students with relevant skills, practical exposure and internationally recognised credentials required to compete effectively in both local and global labour markets.

According to Dr. Adeniyi, the centre will deliver targeted interventions focused on professional career counselling, workplace readiness training and structured employability programmes aligned with industry demands. He added that students and graduates would also gain access to local and international internship and employment opportunities, enabling them to acquire hands-on experience and build professional networks.

A key component of the partnership, he said, is the introduction of employability and skill gap assessments aligned with international standards, designed to help participants identify areas for improvement and meet globally accepted benchmarks. He further disclosed that the centre would prepare students for the CEC International Employment Licence, a digital and verifiable credential recognised by employers worldwide as evidence of job readiness and employability.

Dr. Adeniyi also stated that the agreement includes capacity-building programmes for university career and placement officers, equipping them with modern tools, methodologies and global best practices to ensure long-term sustainability and effective delivery of career services.

Under the terms of the partnership, the Canadian Education Council will provide technical expertise, an internationally benchmarked employability framework and a secure digital credentialing system. AFUED, on its part, will facilitate student engagement, provide physical infrastructure and furniture for the centre, and integrate the ICC’s activities into the University’s operations.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of AFUED, Professor Bayode Isaiah Popoola, expressed appreciation to the Canadian Education Council for its willingness to collaborate with the University in advancing knowledge, skills development and global exposure for students. He подчерк emphasized the growing need for reforms that align higher education with global employment standards and described international partnerships as critical to preparing students for an increasingly globalised world.

Professor Popoola commended the Council’s commitment to academic excellence, student development and cross-cultural learning, noting that the collaboration would enrich students’ academic experiences through exposure to international education systems, research opportunities and global best practices. He described the initiative as a significant step toward empowering AFUED students with global competencies and strengthening the University’s culture of academic excellence.

The meeting was attended by principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ireti Alao; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; Bursar, Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin; and University Librarian, Dr. Azino Oscarad Akpokuriere.

Also present were representatives of the Canadian Education Council led by Engr. Adesiyan Olugbenga, alongside the Council’s Career Officer, Mr. Gbenga Timothy. Other dignitaries included the Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogboru; Dean, Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, Professor E. O. Adeleye; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor T. A. Fawehinmi; Director, Council Affairs and General Administration, Mrs. Veronica Akpe; Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Oluseto Olatuyi; Dean, Faculty of General Studies, Dr. O. Adeleye; Director, International Linkages and Research, Dr. (Mrs.) Adejumoke B. Ale; Director, Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Rafiu Sanni; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dr. B. V. Akinlewe; Deputy Director of Academic Planning, Dr. M. O. Lawal; and staff of Counselling, Human Development and Career Services.

Student representatives at the meeting included the AFUED Students’ Union President, Mr. James Friday, and the General Secretary, Mr. Babalola Samson Olayemi, among others.