Achievers University, Owo, has reinforced its commitment to graduate employability through a strategic industry collaboration with Cephas ICT Hub, a leading digital-skills training organisation. The partnership, which officially commenced with a well-attended opening ceremony for engineering students, is aimed at equipping undergraduates with practical, in-demand digital competencies required in today’s fast-evolving global workforce.
The initiative followed a courtesy visit by the Cephas ICT Hub team to the University’s management, led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyesoji Aremu. The engagement culminated in the rollout of a structured, multi-track training programme designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, particularly for engineering and technology students.
Welcoming the initiative, Professor Aremu described it as timely and strategic, stressing that education must go beyond theory to remain relevant. He noted that while academic foundations are important, practical, market-driven skills are essential for producing graduates capable of solving real-world problems. Declaring the two-week programme open, the Acting Vice-Chancellor urged students to view the training as a long-term investment, encouraging full participation in both the on-site sessions and the daily virtual classes scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Ayodele Onawumi, commended the University management and Cephas ICT Hub for making the programme available to students at no cost. He described the training as potentially career-defining, noting that it would significantly enhance the faculty’s output of industry-ready graduates. He also reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to supporting participants throughout the duration of the programme.
Led by its CEO, Engr. Johnson Ibironke, Cephas ICT Hub outlined the scope of the training, which covers four critical digital skill areas: cybersecurity, product design, software development and data analytics. With a team of specialists, including Abiola Marvelous (Software Development), Akintunde Timileyin (Product Design), Ayoola Deborah (Cybersecurity) and Olaoye Eunice (Data Analytics), the organisation emphasised that the programme is focused on producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs.
Engr. Ibironke encouraged students to diversify their learning by exploring new skill tracks to broaden their competence and expand career opportunities across multiple sectors. He also highlighted Cephas ICT Hub’s partnerships with student bodies and global tech communities, including the Google Developers Group, as part of its commitment to delivering industry-aligned, career-focused training.
While certificates will be issued to participants who meet the programme’s requirements, both Achievers University and Cephas ICT Hub stressed that the core objective is substantive learning with measurable outcomes. Plans are already in place to support job placement and post-training follow-up, underscoring the programme’s focus on real employability rather than paper qualifications.
The collaboration further reinforces Achievers University’s industry-driven approach to education and its resolve to position students for success during their studies and beyond.
