The Career Service Centre of the University, has successfully organized an incredible One-Day
Capacity Building Training Programme for final year students and alumni as part of the
ASPIRE AGENDA’s commitment to career development, employability enhancement, and workforce readiness.
The training, held at the BMU Main Auditorium, brought together students, alumni, academics,
industry experts, government representatives, and development partners under the theme: “Selected
Personal and Interpersonal Skills that Boost Employability.” The programme focused on equipping
participants with practical skills and knowledge required for career success in today’s dynamic
healthcare and professional environment. The central training topic, “Building a Winning
Professional Profile: Crafting Résumés, Online Profiles and Personal Branding for Healthcare Professionals,” emphasized the importance of strategic career positioning, professional identity
development, and digital visibility for emerging healthcare professionals.
The event was hosted under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, (Time 100 Honoree), whose administration continues to prioritize student advancement, innovation, and graduate employability.
Delivering the welcome remarks, the Head of the BMU Career Service Centre, Dr. Tamkivie U. Eseimo, He emphasized that the Career Service Centre, established on the 20th of May, 2024 with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He reiterated the University’s resolve to bridge the gap between academic training and labour market expectations by exposing students to employability skills, mentorship opportunities, and career guidance initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor in his keynote address delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius Ebi Ligha, underscored the importance of preparing graduates not only for employment but also for leadership, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning in an increasingly competitive global environment. According to him, the Centre was designed to equip students and alumni with the personal, professional, and interpersonal skills required to thrive in the global healthcare workforce while aligning with the university’s mission of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. Prof. Ligha further stated that the Centre would complement academic and clinical training by equipping students with practical professional competencies, while encouraging students to actively utilize the opportunities provided for continuous self-development. He also urged staff of the Centre to remain committed to delivering impactful programmes that support students’ academic and career growth.
The programme featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders and development partners including representatives of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the National Identity Management Commission(NIMC), and Teachers Without Borders, reflecting strong inter-agency collaboration towards youth empowerment and career development.
Representating the Honourable Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, the Permanent Secretary, Chief Dugu Edmond highlighted the realities of the modern labour market, stressing that automatic employment after graduation is no longer guaranteed. He emphasized the importance of career guidance, workplace readiness, and practical skill acquisition as critical tools for sustainable employment and economic growth.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the National Directorate of Employment outlined several opportunities available to graduates through vocational training, graduate attachment programmes, entrepreneurship support, public works initiatives, and enterprise development schemes. Students were encouraged to register for programmes in catering, computer technology, fashion design, agriculture, electrical installation, and small-scale business development.
Partner organizations present include Teachers Without Borders and the National Identity Management Commission who commended the university leadership for prioritizing employability and innovation. They emphasized the importance of digital identity systems, data protection, and identity verification in promoting professionalism, security, and patient safety within healthcare systems.
In powerful and insightful academic presentations, the resource persons brought practical solutions to the problems of unemployment in the country. The technical sessions were led by distinguished resource persons including Dr. Aluko A. Lawrence, Principal Consultant of Finny Integrated Limited, and Dr. Dudutari E. Patani, Coordinator, Department of Biology, BMU, who delivered presentations on professional branding, employability competencies, and career positioning strategies. Interactive question-and-answer sessions enabled participants to engage directly with experts and gain practical insights relevant to their career aspirations. In his session, he stressed the urgent need for Nigerian graduates to intentionally position themselves for opportunities beyond local boundaries by combining technical competence with strong soft skills such as communication, empathy, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.
Another key session focused on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), delivered by Dr. Patani Dudutare, emphasized that OHS competence has become an essential requirement for workplace professionalism and employability, particularly in healthcare, industrial, and oil and gas sectors. Dr. Dudutare explained the importance of hazard identification, risk management, emergency preparedness, and compliance with workplace safety regulations. He noted that healthcare professionals seeking opportunities in industrial sectors must go beyond traditional clinical training to acquire occupational safety certifications that improve employability and broaden career prospects.
Present were Mr. Ombu Ebipuado, Bursar, BMU, Dr. Inetimitula Etebu, Librarian represented by Ms Nora fetonmogha, Prof. Dirikon Teilagno, Director Centre for Entrepreneurial studies, Dr. Godwin Angaye, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Tari Joshua Marcella, HOD Medical Laboratory, Chief Saturday Odogo Omiloli, Hon. Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Bayelsa State, Dr. Eric Obi State Coordinator, National Identity Management Commission, Bayelsa State (NIMC), Hon. Philip Jeremaiar Eke Teachers Without Borders, Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments of academic and non -academic.
