FUNAAB Launches Five-Day Employability Skills Training for Students

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta has commenced a five-day employability skills training programme targeted at final-year and penultimate students, in a strategic effort to strengthen their readiness for the labour market.

The capacity-building workshop, which began on April 13, 2026, is organised by the university’s Career Services and Linkages Unit in collaboration with Jobberman, the Mastercard Foundation, and Doit Services Limited. The sessions are being held at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.

Addressing participants at the opening, the Head of the Career Services and Linkages Unit, Elijah Obayelu, described the initiative as a deliberate intervention to bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations. He urged students to take full advantage of the programme, noting that it was designed to expose them to critical competencies required for post-graduation success.

Obayelu added that the training aligns with the unit’s mandate to connect students with real-world industry demands and enhance their competitiveness. He also highlighted the university’s ongoing partnership with Jobberman, noting its track record in supporting student development through training programmes and facilitating access to international opportunities.

The lead facilitator, David Ewetan, emphasised the need for a balanced combination of technical and interpersonal skills. He explained that while hard skills—such as programming, technical operations, and academic qualifications—are essential for securing job opportunities, soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and time management are critical for long-term career growth.

Participants were also engaged on the role of self-confidence in professional advancement, with emphasis on continuous learning and personal development as key drivers of success.

The workshop attracted strong student participation and is expected to equip attendees with practical competencies required to navigate the evolving demands of the modern workplace.