The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, through its Centre for Career Services, has successfully organized the Second Edition of the One-Day Capstone/Career Readiness Workshop for final-year regular students. The event, held at the COAESU Hall, was aimed at equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive after graduation.In line with the Centre’s mandate to prepare students for the world of work, the workshop pursued three key objectives:To educate students on how to brand themselves.To prepare them for the inevitable challenges after graduation.To share ideas on what they can create or produce with the knowledge gained on campus.
The event opened with a warm welcome and remarks by Dr. (Mrs.) Fadoju, Chairman, Committee of the Centre for Career Services, who commended the initiative and underscored the importance of career preparation for final-year students. She encouraged participants to take advantage of the platform to learn, network, and prepare strategically for life after school.Three engaging sessions highlighted the workshop:
1. “Branding: Projecting Your Unique Selling Point (USP)”Facilitator: Dr. Osagie Johnson Oluwaniyi, Head, Centre for Career Services.Dr. Johnson emphasized that personal branding is the foundation for post-graduation success. He guided students on how to package and project their unique combination of skills, values, and passions to stand out in today’s competitive environment. “Personal branding,” he stated, “is the packaging that attracts people to your value and sets you apart from the crowd.
”2. “How to Become the Best in Your Profession”Facilitator: Mr. Francis Taiwo Solanke, an alumnus of the College and the current Best Teacher for 2025, both at the state (Ogun State) and national levels (Nigeria).Mr. Solanke inspired students to cultivate excellence through consistency, discipline, and ethical conduct. Drawing from his award-winning teaching experience, he emphasized emotional intelligence, networking, and continuous self-development as the pillars of professional success. Quoting Aristotle, he said, “Excellence is not an act but a habit,” challenging participants to start building those habits now.
3. “Navigating Your Way Successfully from Gown to Town”Facilitator: Dr. Modesta Ofodili, of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and an alumna of the College.Dr. Modesta Ofodili shared a deeply moving personal story that resonated with the audience. She recounted how she had to struggle from the age of nineteen, already a young mother to pursue her education after marrying early. Despite the hardships of combining motherhood with schooling, she persevered and rose through determination and faith to become a respected academic. Her story inspired students to face challenges with resilience and never let their circumstances dictate their destiny.
The event also had in attendance the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and members of the Union Executive Council, who praised the Centre for organizing a program that empowers students for employability and entrepreneurship. They assured the Centre of the Union’s continuous partnership on similar impactful initiatives.Dr. Osagie Johnson, Convener of the Workshop, appreciates the College Management, Committee members, facilitators, and students for their active participation. He expressed confidence that the lessons learned would empower final-year students to make a seamless and successful transition “from gown to town.”
The workshop ended on an inspiring note, with students describing the experience as transformative, practical, and eye-opening.About the Federal College of Education, AbeokutaThe Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, is one of Nigeria’s leading teacher-training institutions, committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community development. Through its Centre for Career Services, the College provides innovative career guidance, employability training, and entrepreneurship support to prepare students for meaningful careers and self-reliant living.
