Jobberman, Mastercard Foundation Empower OOPOLY Final-Year Students with Employability Skills

Final-year students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (OOPOLY) have received employability and workplace readiness training through a collaborative initiative by Jobberman Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation aimed at preparing young graduates for the modern labour market.

The programme brought together National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) finalists and focused on equipping participants with essential soft skills, career development knowledge, and workplace competencies required to thrive in today’s competitive job environment.

Before the training session, officials of Jobberman Nigeria, led by Felix Kennedy, alongside the Head of Career Services and Skill Development Center, Dr. Joan Okafor, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

Speaking during the visit, Kennedy explained that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to prepare young people for opportunities in the digital economy and evolving workplace landscape. He noted that the programme bridges the gap between academic learning and professional expectations by exposing students to practical career development pathways, including internship opportunities.

According to him, employers increasingly seek graduates who possess not only technical knowledge but also strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Kennedy also commended the institution’s commitment to practical education and entrepreneurship, highlighting programmes such as Welding and Fabrication, Fashion Design, and other vocational initiatives that promote self-reliance and economic empowerment.

The training, held at the Polytechnic Theatre Hall, featured sessions on self-development, effective communication, time management, workplace ethics, personal growth, and the importance of constructive feedback in professional environments.

Participants were encouraged to develop confidence in their abilities and remain proactive in pursuing career opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries, Mitchell Ihendu, a Public Administration student, described the programme as insightful and relevant to the realities of the contemporary job market. She praised the facilitators for their engaging approach and noted that the training broadened her understanding of employer expectations and professional growth.

The initiative underscores ongoing efforts by Jobberman Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills needed for sustainable employment and economic development.