The University of Benin has intensified efforts to prepare students for the modern labour market through a specialised soft skills and employability training programme designed to improve workplace readiness and career development.
The initiative, organised through the Centre for Vocational Training and Skills Acquisition in partnership with Jobberman and Blue Chip Services, reflects the institution’s growing focus on producing graduates who are equipped with both academic knowledge and practical workplace competencies. According to the university, the programme aligns with the vision of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN, who has consistently promoted initiatives aimed at making students more competitive in today’s changing employment environment.
Speaking during the training, the Director of the Centre for Vocational Training and Skills Acquisition, Professor Andrew Amenaghawon, explained that universities must move beyond traditional classroom learning by integrating practical skills and career preparation into higher education.
He described the initiative as “a demonstration of the University’s evolving approach to higher education where academic excellence is deliberately complemented with practical skills, workplace preparedness, and personal development.”
Amenaghawon also praised the vice chancellor for supporting programmes that help students prepare for life after graduation. According to him, the training was created to improve students’ employability and help them develop the confidence and professional abilities required in the workplace. The programme featured interactive sessions where students received guidance on career planning, communication, workplace ethics, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and professional development. Participants were also exposed to practical insights aimed at helping them adapt to the realities of the global job market.
At the end of the training, participants were awarded Certificates of Competence in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.The initiative comes at a time when many employers increasingly place importance on soft skills alongside academic qualifications. Several industry reports and employability studies have shown that communication, adaptability, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are becoming essential requirements in the hiring process.
Analysts believe that such programmes can help bridge the gap between classroom education and workplace expectations, especially in Nigeria’s highly competitive labour market where many graduates struggle to secure employment due to limited practical exposure.
The training also reinforces the university’s broader strategy of promoting vocational and technical development among students. In recent months, UNIBEN has introduced several capacity-building initiatives, including vocational training programmes in cybersecurity, automobile maintenance, fashion design, agriculture, and engineering-related skills. Education experts have repeatedly argued that tertiary institutions must adapt to evolving industry demands by embedding employability and career readiness programmes into their curriculum.
They note that graduates who possess both technical expertise and interpersonal skills often stand a better chance of succeeding in the workplace.With the latest training programme, the University of Benin is positioning its students to become more prepared, adaptable, and competitive in both local and international job markets.
