Jobberman, Mastercard Foundation Boost Employability Skills of OOPOLY Final-Year Students

Final-year students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic have undergone a targeted employability training designed to strengthen their readiness for the labour market through a partnership between Jobberman Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation.

The programme, which brought together National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) finalists, focused on equipping participants with core soft skills, workplace competencies, and career development strategies needed to compete effectively in today’s evolving job environment.

Prior to the training session, a delegation from Jobberman Nigeria led by Mr. Felix Kennedy Obisike, alongside the Head of Career Services and Skill Development Centre, Dr. Joan Okafor, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, at the Council Chamber Hall.

During the visit, Obisike explained that the intervention forms part of a nationwide youth development initiative aimed at preparing young graduates for opportunities in both digital and traditional sectors of the economy. He noted that the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace expectations by exposing students to practical career pathways, internship opportunities, and professional standards.

He further stated that the initiative emphasizes behavioural and interpersonal competencies, stressing that employability today goes beyond academic qualifications to include adaptability, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills demanded by employers.

He also commended the Polytechnic Management for its sustained focus on practical education and entrepreneurship development, particularly through vocational training programmes such as Welding and Fabrication, Fashion Design, and other skills-based initiatives that promote self-reliance among students.

The main training session, held at the Polytechnic Theatre Hall, covered key areas including self-development, effective communication, time management, workplace ethics, overcoming personal limitations, and the application of constructive feedback in professional environments. Participants were also guided on building confidence and developing a proactive mindset toward career growth.

One of the participants, Mitchell Ihendu, an ND II student from the Department of Public Administration, described the training as highly relevant and insightful, noting that it offered practical perspectives on professional expectations in the labour market. He praised the facilitators for their structured delivery approach and the use of pre-training and post-training assessments to measure learning outcomes.

He added that the sessions broadened his understanding of career development and provided clarity on what employers look for in prospective employees, while also appreciating the prompt issuance of certificates of participation and the Polytechnic’s support for the programme.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Jobberman Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation to tackle youth unemployment by strengthening the employability skills of young graduates and improving their access to meaningful employment opportunities.