Federal Polytechnic Oko Launches Career Services Workshop to Boost Student Employability and Job Readiness

Federal Polytechnic Oko has taken a major step toward improving student employability and career development with the launch of a comprehensive training workshop organized by its Guidance, Counselling and Career Services Directorate.

The three-day intensive workshop, which commenced on April 15, 2026, is designed to equip students with practical knowledge of career services, job readiness skills, and opportunities for long-term financial independence. The initiative aligns with the institution’s broader agenda of academic reinvention and programme development under the leadership of the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie.

With the theme “Career Exploration,” the workshop focuses on helping students identify viable career paths, understand industry demands, and make informed decisions based on their skills, interests, and academic background. The programme also aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by introducing students to high-demand career opportunities and emerging sectors.

A key highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the directorate’s digital platform, designed to provide students with access to career resources, job opportunities, and professional guidance. In addition, career coaches were introduced across various departments to provide personalized mentorship, while a dedicated career services library was launched to offer access to valuable books and materials on career development, entrepreneurship, and workforce trends.

Declaring the workshop open, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, emphasized the importance of career guidance in shaping the future of students. Represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Nkiruka Akabuike, she described the initiative as an extension of career counseling systems previously available at the secondary school level, now enhanced to meet the realities of higher education and the modern job market.

She noted that the programme is designed to prepare students for self-reliance, encouraging them to develop entrepreneurial skills and diversify their knowledge beyond their core areas of study. According to her, the goal is to empower graduates to create opportunities for themselves rather than depend solely on traditional white-collar jobs.

The Rector also urged participants to actively apply the knowledge gained from the training, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and access to up-to-date information. She further advised the directorate to ensure regular updates of the career services platform to keep students informed about current opportunities and industry trends.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Guidance, Counselling and Career Services, Nwankwo Chioma, explained that the workshop was designed to address a critical gap among students regarding awareness of career opportunities within their chosen fields. He noted that many students complete their studies without fully understanding the range of career paths available to them.

According to him, the training provides a solid foundation for career development by exposing students to practical insights, industry expectations, and strategies for securing employment or starting their own ventures. He added that the initiative is part of a broader effort to guide students toward achieving long-term career success and financial stability.

He expressed appreciation to the Rector, the institution’s management, principal officers, and facilitators for their support in making the maiden edition of the career development workshop a success.

The workshop is structured to accommodate students from different schools within the institution. Participants from the School of Applied Sciences and the School of Science Technology were trained on the first day. The second day featured students from the School of Arts, Design and Printing Technology, the School of Information Technology, the School of Business Studies, and the School of Financial Studies. On the final day, students from the School of Engineering Technology and the School of Environmental Design and Technology will receive training.

The event attracted key stakeholders within the institution, including the Dean of Students Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, alongside several academic staff and facilitators who contributed to the success of the programme.

This initiative positions Federal Polytechnic Oko as a forward-thinking institution committed to equipping students with in-demand skills, career development strategies, and the knowledge required to thrive in today’s competitive job market.