Nasarawa State University, Keffi Hosts Safe Migration Symposium on Global Study and Employment Opportunities

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has reaffirmed its commitment to preparing students for global competitiveness by hosting a three-day International Information and Counselling Symposium on safe migration.

The programme, which commenced on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, was organised by the university's Career Development Centre (CDC) in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) Centres for Migration and Development Programme, which implements the Nigerian-German Centre for Development in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and its Migrant Resource Centre.

Held at the university's Multipurpose Hall, the symposium was themed, "Possibilities and Requirements for Work and Study in Germany and the ECOWAS Region," and was designed to equip students and members of the host community with the knowledge and skills required to access legal work and study opportunities abroad.

Declaring the symposium open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Halima Doma Kutigi, described the programme as a strategic initiative aimed at empowering young people with reliable information to make informed decisions about international education and employment.

She commended the organisers and partner institutions for bringing the initiative to NSUK, noting that the university remains committed to supporting programmes that enhance students' employability, develop practical skills and contribute to national development.

Prof. Kutigi encouraged participants to actively engage with the resource persons and apply the knowledge gained to shape their future academic and professional careers.

In his welcome address, the Head of the Regular Migration Component at the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Dr. Augustine Ezejiofor, appreciated the university management and the Career Development Centre for collaborating to make the programme possible.

He explained that the German Government-supported initiative seeks to promote safe, orderly and regular migration by providing prospective migrants with credible information and professional guidance.

While describing migration as a fundamental human right, Dr. Ezejiofor warned against irregular migration and urged participants to pursue international work and study opportunities only through legal and approved channels.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Mr. Samson Onabote of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment highlighted the services offered by the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), describing it as a one-stop support centre for prospective migrants, job seekers and young professionals.

According to him, the centre provides pre-departure orientation, career counselling, employability training, CV development and vocational skills training in areas such as solar installation, catering, bread baking and entrepreneurship to prepare participants for international labour markets.

Also speaking, the Programme Component Manager at GIZ, Mrs. Tolupe Olaiya, introduced participants to the Dual Vocational Training System, an internationally recognised model that combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience.

She outlined the eligibility requirements for participation, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, age limits and company placement, encouraging interested participants to adequately prepare themselves for the available opportunities.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Students' Representative Council (SRC), Mr. Amos Gideon, expressed appreciation to the NSUK management, the German Development Cooperation and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for bringing the initiative to the university.

He also thanked students for their active participation and urged them to make productive use of the knowledge gained as they pursue international education and career opportunities through safe and legal migration pathways.

According to the university, the symposium further reflects NSUK's commitment to producing globally competitive graduates through strategic partnerships, career development programmes and increased exposure to international education and employment opportunities.