June 19 (THEWILL) — The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mrs Eduma Enobong Essien, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening graduate employability through sustained investment in staff development and modern career guidance services.
Speaking at a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)-sponsored capacity-building workshop for career service personnel, Essien said the Polytechnic was prioritising the training of staff to ensure students receive relevant guidance that prepares them for the realities of a rapidly evolving labour market.
The one-day workshop, themed “Modern Career Counselling Practices: Challenges and Prospects”, was held at the institution’s 350-capacity auditorium and facilitated by FutureLabs.
According to the Rector, the initiative reflects growing recognition of the critical role career counsellors play in helping students navigate emerging career opportunities and make informed professional choices.
“TETFund made this intervention because they have seen the need to equip staff so that we can guide our students well. Therefore, we appreciate them for this support”, Essien said.
She noted that Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, would continue to leverage training opportunities and strategic partnerships to build the capacity of its workforce, improve student support services and ensure graduates are better positioned to compete in today’s dynamic employment landscape.
Earlier, the Acting Director of the Career Service Centre, Mr Itoro Ekanemesang, said the training was designed to expose participants to contemporary counselling techniques and practical strategies for supporting students’ career development.
He expressed confidence that the workshop would enhance the ability of staff to provide quality career guidance and help students identify pathways to success in an increasingly competitive job market.
The programme featured presentations by leading experts in career development and employability. Professor Ime Nyong George of the University of Uyo delivered a lecture on “Techniques in Career Counselling: Preparing Students for the Modern Workforce”, where he highlighted practical approaches for helping students adapt to changing workplace demands.
Also speaking, Mr Ini-odu Akpan addressed participants on “Building Employability Skills Across the Curriculum”, stressing the importance of deliberately developing critical thinking, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and other transferable skills that employers increasingly demand.
In his remarks, the Polytechnic Registrar, Mr Idhigu Lucky, urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired during the workshop into improved service delivery for students.
“The knowledge gained today will only be valuable when it is reflected in our work and service to students”, he stated.
On the sidelines of the event, FutureLabs Director, Mr Udim Manasseh, commended TETFund for supporting the initiative and called for stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry to improve student outcomes.
Drawing on the Triple Helix model of development, Manasseh argued that closer partnerships among the three sectors would enable students to begin building viable career pathways even before graduation.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs Arobo Ukwa, who appreciated the Polytechnic management, TETFund, resource persons and participants for contributing to the programme’s success.
The training forms part of Federal Polytechnic, Ukana’s broader efforts to strengthen career services, improve workforce readiness and enhance the employability prospects of its graduates.
