Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), in partnership with The Education Collaborative, recently hosted a vibrant two-day Career Services Workshop that brought together career development professionals from nine universities across Nigeria; Benson Idahosa University, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Lead City University, Saint Luke Business School, Augustine University Ilara-Epe, Bells University Of Technology MOUNTAIN TOP UNIVERSITY, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria, Dominican University. This event marked a significant step forward in enhancing career readiness frameworks, equipping participants with actionable strategies, and fostering collaboration to empower students for success in today’s competitive job market.
The workshop was expertly facilitated by Mrs. Nkiru Ukachukwu (Head, Careers Office, and Director, Alumni Office, Pan-Atlantic University), Mr. Innih Ikhide (Project Manager and Learning and Development Expert, Jobberman Nigeria), and Selasi Nukpe Addam (Assistant Director, Career Services, Ashesi University). Over the course of the programme, these thought leaders guided attendees through a rich agenda aimed at strengthening career services and bridging education-to-employment pathways.
Day 1 featured foundational sessions, beginning with Mrs. Ukachukwu’s overview of Pan-Atlantic University’s career services structure, underpinned by seven strategic pillars including employability skills development, employer engagement, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship ecosystem support. Her interactive session highlighted the importance of sustained management support and funding for career center effectiveness.
Next, Mr. Ikhide shared innovative approaches to building strong employer partnerships, emphasizing the use of AI and data-driven platforms for optimising student-employer matching. He encouraged universities to explore hybrid and remote work opportunities in light of Nigeria’s evolving employment landscape, introducing tools like the Net Promoter Score to measure partnership impact.
The day closed with Selasi Nukpe Addam’s practical guidance on designing comprehensive, data-driven career readiness programs. Drawing from Ashesi University’s experience, he showcased programs that span from freshman orientation through to final-year transitions, focusing on mentorship, internships, and continuous assessment to drive success.
Day 2 deepened the focus on impact and future planning. Participants engaged in sessions on monitoring and evaluating the career center’s impact through data metrics, then tackled common challenges by crafting practical One Year Career Development Plans. The workshop culminated in university teams presenting their tailored plans, demonstrating diverse strategies tailored to their unique institutional contexts.
Beyond the rich content, the workshop fostered meaningful networking, with attendees enthusiastically exchanging ideas and forging partnerships across institutions. The collaborative spirit extended through to the event’s conclusion with the presentation of certificates of completion, celebrating the commitment and expertise of all participants.
PAU’s leadership in hosting this workshop, in collaboration with The Education Collaborative, underscores its commitment to advancing graduate employability in West Africa. The collective insights, strategies, and partnerships emerging from this event will undoubtedly contribute to stronger, more responsive career services across Nigerian universities.
We applaud the facilitators—Mrs. Nkiru Ukachukwu, Mr. Innih Ikhide, and Selasi Nukpe Addam—and all participating institutions for their dedication and contributions. Together, they are shaping a future where students are better prepared, connected, and empowered to thrive beyond graduation.
