The Director of the Centre for Counseling and Career Development (CCCD) at UNIZIK, Prof. Harry Obi-Nwosu, is advocating for an expansion of the university’s services to better cater to critical areas in students’ careers.
Following his participation in a 5-Day Capacity Building Workshop for staff of Career Services Units of Nigerian Higher Education Institutions organized by Tetfund at the Rock View Royale Hotel in Abuja from October 23rd to 27th, 2023, Prof. Obi-Nwosu presented a report to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, FAS, FPSN. In the report, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity granted to the UNIZIK delegation, which included Deputy Director Dr. Chika Agba and Administration Head, Ifeoma Nwonu.
The UNIZIK representatives, part of the “Fountain Hall Group” comprising Public Universities from the South East, North Central, and North West of Nigeria, discussed various topics at the workshop. These included assessment methods in functional career offices, the relationship between career offices and alumni, the role of career offices in university marketing, setting up a functional career office, global skills for enhancing employability, and the delivery of pre and post-graduation career services.
Prof. Obi-Nwosu proudly informed the VC that UNIZIK was the only university with a functional career services/centre. The delegation effectively addressed contentious issues during the workshop, contributing to the university’s positive representation.
Regarding additional services, the Director emphasized the need for the center to undertake advertisement/marketing, alumni tracking and data banking, provision of LinkedIn accounts for every student, and increased industry engagement. To facilitate these initiatives, Prof. Obi-Nwosu stressed the importance of equipping the center with a few permanent staff members.