The workshop series organized by the African Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS) Nigeria for 2024, delved into various aspects of ACCESS activities which include Wiki, E-Teaching, E-Coaching, and E-Learning. Insights on essential soft skills acquisition for the future of work and Universities-Business linkages, with a focus on enhancing graduate employability and fostering innovative ideas were explored. The resource persons, in their presentations, demonstrated depth of expertise in the delivery of each session. The sessions were notably practical, featuring pertinent examples and statistics that are anticipated to leave a lasting impression on the participants. The April/May workshop series are first in the series of trainings and workshops slated for 2024.
The April/May series had two parts. The first part focused on Training of Trainers (ToT) and capacity building for lecturers. Thus, lecturers were drawn from different departments and faculties in the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and Bowen University for this exercise. The second part of the workshop focused on the University Business Linkages and Career Enhancement Initiatives (University of Ideas). The three winners of the 2023 University of Ideas Competition in Nigeria were asked to be present their findings for assessment.
First presentation on “Unlocking Learning Opportunities through ACCESS Wiki”, by Professor Olutayo C. Adesina, Department of History and Capacity Building Pillar, ACCESS (Nigeria), introduced the ACCESS Wiki as a collaborative online platform designed to serve as a comprehensive digital repository and skills development resource. Professor Adesina emphasised that ACCESS Wiki aggregates content and resources across various domains, encouraging participants to contribute concepts for publication on the platform. The second presentation had session on “Hands-on-Session: Tools for E-Learning and E-Coaching: Instructional Videos (I) and (II) ably handled by Dr. Mrs Abiodun Alao, Director, Information Technology and Media Services (ITemS) U.I. and Professor Ayotola Aremu, Professor of Educational Technology, University of Ibadan. The duo highlighted the impact of the rapidly evolving world of work, emphasising the automation of processes and the necessity to cultivate new digital skills to mitigate the risk of future redundancy and obsolescence. They also identified digital skills essential for lecturers to deliver engaging sessions, ensuring students’ retention and interest in the subject matter.
This practical session provided participants with demonstrations of various tools for E-learning and E-coaching. Dr. (Mrs.) Alao specifically focused on web-based video creation tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Renderforest and Plotagon, showcasing their utility in producing animated classroom lecture videos that leave a lasting impression on students.
Mr. Sandy Adam presented the third session virtually from Leipzig University, Germany. The title of his presentation is “Empowered Tomorrow’s Workforce: Leveraging E-Teaching, E-Learning and E-Coaching within the community of Inquiry: Framework for Enhanced Graduate Employability”. The session provided valuable insights into the utilisation of modern tools within the community of inquiry to augment the employability of Nigerian graduates. Sandy also showcased the application of these tools in international sport administration, and how these tools can offer a blueprint for lecturers at their respective universities to mentor their students effectively. The last session in the first part of the programme was on “Essential Soft Skills for the Future of Work” delivered by Dr. Abayomi Mayowa Ajayi, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and ACCESS UI.
The second part of the workshop on the University Business Linkages and Career Enhancement Initiatives (University of Ideas) was meant to give the three winners of the 2023 University of Ideas competition in Nigeria the opportunity to present their findings. Dr. Shukurat Bello from Bayero University, Kano, presented virtually. She spoke on “Career Enhancement of Dental Graduates of Bayero University through Alumni Resource Hub”. This was followed by the presentation by Oluseun A. Ishola on “Graduate Alumni Industrial Network (GAIN) Employability Model” and Tomisin James Aruleba on “Advancement of Employability and Career Development: Leveraging Idea Incubation and Industry’s Skills”. Assessors gave constructive comments and useful interventions on these ideas.
A total number of 60 lecturers participated in the workshop from the University of Ibadan on 4 April 2024 at the Training Research and Development (TRD) Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. The similar workshop was held at Seminar Room, Timothy Olagbemiro Library, Bowen University, Iwo, on the 2 May 2024 where 36 lecturers participated. Also, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, had her workshop at the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management (EDM) Boardroom on the 3 of May, 2024 and 47 lecturers attended the training/workshop.
Apart from the lecturers invited for the training, other stakeholders in the three universities participated and expressed their goodwill messages. The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, expressed his great pleasure regarding the collaboration between ACCESS and the University of Ibadan. He highlighted the contributions of the ACCESS project to the advancement of education in Nigeria to have included the 2023 International Summer School and Conference and series of workshops and trainings for lecturers and students since the inception of the project in 2020.
From Bowen University, Iwo, the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Babalola, stated that with the ACCESS invaluable workshop, he is confident that participants have possessed the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver what they’ve learned, propelling them forward along their educational and professional journeys. We extend our heartfelt thanks to ACCESS for sponsoring this comprehensive capacity-building workshop at BOWEN University, Iwo, Nigeria. Also, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor A.S. Bamire appreciated ACCESS for sponsoring the workshop. Professor Bamire considers ACCESS project as a necessity for collective action to elevate the educational standards in accordance with contemporary challenges, thereby bolstering graduate employability. He called for deeper and more robust collaboration between ACCESS and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.