Just last week (11th March, 2025), I had the privilege of speaking at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Alumni Career Training, organized by the Center for Career Services. The event aimed to equip graduates with basic career skills and strategies to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Few days after my presentation, at FUPRE’s 4th Convocation Ceremony, I was informed by one of the Chief Public Relations Officers of the institution – Mr. Isaac Ogbrah, that I had been presented an “Outstanding Career Mentorship Award.”
Being invited as Guest Speaker at FUPRE was already an honour. It was fulfilling for me, engaging with the brilliant minds in attendance, and their eagerness to learn justified the need for more of such programmes in Universities to bridge the gap between academia and workplaces. At the training, I shared my career metamorphosis model and other insights on leveraging digital tools, personal branding to survive today’s economy.
It’s remarkable to think that just two months ago, in January, I was also invited by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. (Mrs.) Chinelo A. Nwokolo, as a speaker at FUPRE’s 2024/2025 Orientation Programme for Freshers where I addressed students on the topic Responsible AI Usage in Undergraduate Studies. FUPRE’s commitment to promoting career readiness and digital literacy is truly commendable.
When I received the award, it was more than just a plaque; to me I saw a symbol of shared success and I am grateful to the Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Akpofureh Rim-Rukeh. This recognition is more than a personal milestone and I’d like to dedicate it to everyone out there who believes that people are gifts from God. THIS, is for all of us and THIS, is encouragement for us to keep UPSKILLING. Institutions like FUPRE, Admiralty Univerisity of Nigeria (ADUN) and few other institutions are setting the pace on what it means to prepare students for the evolving labour/job market. There is pressing need to consciously continue to put more effort in grooming employable graduates by integrating career-focused learning into our Nigerian educational system.
Here’s how I feel about this Award:
Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to the management of FUPRE, (Mrs.) C.E. Ogwuche, the Ag. Director of the Centre for Career Services, Prof. (Mrs.) D.F. Ogeleka – Deputy Vice-Chancellor and everyone who has contributed to making these training sessions and award presented to me possible. Let’s keep pushing boundaries.
While looking forward to further engagements, collaborations, and opportunities to share knowledge that makes a great impact, if you missed my previous blog post on the FUPRE training, where you can access my slides and watch the video highlight, click here to check it out.
About Sylvester I. Ebhonu, CLN, amPAIDeF
Youtube Channel @ https://youtube.com/@thedigitallibr