FUNAAB Hosts Maiden Skill-Driven Career Fair to Boost Graduate Employability

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has reinforced its position as a national leader in youth development, innovation, and industry-focused education by hosting its inaugural Skill-Driven Career Fair.

The event, held in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (GIZ), and the GIZ–SKYE II Programme, took place on 25th November 2025 at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.

The two-day fair brought together students, alumni, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore practical pathways for employment and entrepreneurship under the theme “Bridging the Divide: The Skill-Driven Career Fair.” Activities included prototype pitching, skills seminars, interactive exhibitions, a Resume Clinic, and high-level industry dialogues designed to equip students with competencies aligned with evolving labour market demands.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Babatunde Kehinde, in his opening address, described the Fair as a milestone in FUNAAB’s efforts to produce globally competitive graduates. He emphasised that education must transcend theoretical knowledge to inspire innovation and leadership in a dynamic global economy. Professor Kehinde also highlighted the University’s longstanding collaboration with government and industry, noting that FUNAAB was among the first institutions nationwide to establish a functional Career Services Unit.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the contributions of guest speakers Engr. Ayodeji Omojola and Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, as well as the support of the German Government and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for initiatives such as the SKYE II and ICSS–SEDIN entrepreneurship programmes implemented by GIZ. He also commended the Employability and Benchmarking Committee, chaired by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Olukayode Akinyemi, with Professor Iyabode Kehinde as Alternate Chairperson.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Olawale Dairo, emphasised that graduate employability is a cornerstone of national development, noting the importance of digital skills, problem-solving abilities, ethical grounding, and adaptability—competencies FUNAAB instills through SIWES, entrepreneurship programmes, and digital skills initiatives. He further highlighted the GIZ ICSS Programme as a key tool for empowering students to not only secure employment but to create job opportunities.

Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Adeola Sofela, in a goodwill message, lauded FUNAAB for preparing students for self-reliance and encouraged them to leverage emerging opportunities within the innovation ecosystem. Engr. Ayodeji Omojola, during his lecture titled “Beyond the Degree: Navigating the World of Work,” urged students to understand workplace demands, develop employable attitudes, and use the Fair as a springboard for purposeful career growth.

Dr. Matthew Oose, Head of the Career Services and Liaison Unit (CSLU), stressed that the Career Fair extends beyond job placement, serving as a platform to celebrate skills, diversity, inclusion, and FUNAAB’s commitment to producing agile, industry-ready graduates.

A diverse array of partner organisations participated in the Fair, including Wafroex, Harvestfield, Assetrise, CWAY Nigeria Dairy Industries, 720Degree Technology Ltd., Nourished Choice, Jubaili Agrotech, Dizengoff, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Also in attendance were Lion Rafiu Oshiyemi, President of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA); CWAY’s Head of Operations, Mr. Pavankumah Supase; Wafroex CEO Alhaji Abdulrahman Shomala; and Engr. Adesegun Fatoki from the Ogun State Job Centre.

The event concluded with an Industry–Academia Roundtable at the Red Chamber, culminating in the issuance of a communiqué. FUNAAB’s successful hosting of its maiden Career Fair underscores its national leadership in skills development, employability enhancement, and transformative industry partnerships, setting a benchmark for institutions across Nigeria.