AUST, CEC Partner On Strategic Graduate Trans-national Education Employability and Exchanges

Abuja, Nigeria — The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) has initiated discussions with the Canadian Education Council (CEC) aimed at establishing a strategic collaboration focused on transnational education and career development.

The meeting, convened by the AUST Continuing Professional Development (CPD) unit, brought together senior representatives from both institutions to explore innovative approaches to bridging the gap between academic training and labour market demands.

In his welcome remarks, the President of AUST Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, FAS; provided an overview of the University’s strategic direction, emphasising its commitment to transnational education. He highlighted AUST’s postgraduate recruitment spanning over 20 African countries, recent programme expansions, as well as its growing portfolio of international partnerships and donor-funded initiatives. He also formally welcomed the CEC delegation to the University.

The CEC team Representactive Dr Adenyi John, presented its vision of establishing International Career Centres designed to connect education with employment outcomes. Drawing on ongoing implementations in other Nigerian universities, the delegation outlined programmes that support internships, remote work opportunities, and capacity building to enhance global competitiveness among graduates.

Central to the discussions was the growing disconnect between graduate output and employer expectations. Participants collectively underscored the urgent need for employer-driven solutions to improve graduate employability.

Key concerns identified included poorly structured internship programmes lacking measurable performance indicators, an increasing preference among students for short-term credentials driven by economic realities, and the reputational risks faced by institutions whose graduates are not adequately prepared for the workforce. It was also noted that employers are increasingly prioritising practical skills and competencies over traditional academic qualifications.

To address these challenges, both parties proposed the establishment of an International Career Centre at AUST, to be supported by CEC. The proposed centre would feature a structured career development and internship platform, standardised internship frameworks with clearly defined key performance indicators, and employer-driven talent matching systems based on verified skills and experience.

Additional proposals included opportunities for short-term placements in Canada with credit transfer options, the development of dual-degree programmes, and the introduction of an International Employment Licence Test accompanied by detailed performance reports. The initiative would also incorporate a customised career portal for students and employers, alongside a robust alumni tracking system to monitor long-term career outcomes. Discussions further explored the potential designation of AUST as a testing centre for Canadian professional examinations.

Other areas of collaboration highlighted included the integration of international coaching, partnerships to support student start-ups, and the introduction of early internship exposure from the 300 level to strengthen career readiness.

Both AUST and CEC expressed strong interest in advancing the partnership, recognising it as a strategic step towards enhancing graduate employability, strengthening institutional reputation, and positioning graduates for success in the global labour market.

Attendees at the meeting included; Dr Prisca Onuoha, CPD Coordinator, AUST; Dr Bello Abduhakeem, DAP; Mrs Nsima Joseph, Coordinator, Student Affairs; Mr Obioha Atulomah, Head of Media Services and Public Relations Unit; and Miss Iweha Blessing, Media Assistant and attendance From CEC includes; Dr Adenyi John, Country Director; Dr Dolly Adetaun, Training and Programme Coordinator; Miss Adeola Joy, Career Adviser; and Mr Gabriel Emmanuel, Executive Assistant to the Country Director. Also present were Dr Ozioma Nduagu, IWM link person to CEC;