Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has commenced a 5-Day training and capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping final-year and penultimate students with essential employability skills for career success.
The training, organised by the University’s Career Services and Linkages Unit (CSLU) in collaboration with Jobberman, Mastercard Foundation, and Doit Services Limited, began today, April 13, 2026, at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head, Career Services and Linkages Unit, Prof. Elijah Obayelu, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the initiative in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. He noted that the workshop was deliberately structured to expose students to critical competencies required for life after graduation, urging them to maximise the opportunity.
Prof. Obayelu further explained that the training aligns with the Unit’s mandate to connect students with industry realities and enhance their competitiveness in the labour market. He commended the partnership with Jobberman, describing the organisation as a dependable collaborator in advancing student development. He also recalled previous interventions by the organisation, including training support and recommendation letters that have facilitated students’ access to international opportunities.
He added that the collaboration extends beyond the current workshop, offering long-term benefits such as continuous professional support and credible endorsements for students when necessary.
Delivering the training session, the facilitator, Mr. David Ewetan, emphasised the importance of balancing hard and soft skills in career development. He described hard skills, such as computer programming, machine operation, typing proficiency, and academic qualification, as measurable competencies acquired through formal training. In contrast, he noted that soft skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and time management, are equally vital for career progression.
According to him, while hard skills may help secure employment opportunities, soft skills are crucial for sustaining success and achieving career advancement. He therefore encouraged participants to deliberately cultivate both skill sets to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive job market.
The session also featured discussions on self-confidence as a key driver of personal and professional success, with participants encouraged to build confidence through continuous learning and self-improvement.
The workshop, which attracted a large turnout of students, was designed to prepare participants for the demands of the modern workplace by equipping them with the requisite skills for professional growth and career advancement.
