By Abubakar Basiru
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| Professor Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi, Director of CHDC, and Dean of Students' Affairs Division unveiling the ABU-RISE logo |
The event featured the unveiling of the initiative's logo and a staff training workshop sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to train staff on career coaching and mentoring.
The workshop, themed "Career Coaching and Mentoring: Effective Strategies for Growth," took place at the CBN Center of Excellence, Ahmadu Bello University Main Campus, and brought together university officials, teaching staff, and students.
In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Professor Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi; the Dean, Students Affairs Division, Professor Sahalu Junaidu; and the Director, Counseling and Human Development Center, Professor Hadiza Ahmed Tukur.
Also in attendance were the Director, Academic Planning, Professor Bello Mukhtar; the Provost, Postgraduate College, Professor O.O. Okubanjo; Professor Maryam Aminu, Director, Committee of Deans; and many other stakeholders.
In her welcome address, Professor Hadiza Ahmed Tukur welcomed all the attendees and highlighted the objectives of the workshop, which are to equip staff and students with the skills to face the challenges of modern life. The CHDC Director stressed that the university ensures that students are not "only knowledgeable but also industry-ready."
In her remarks, Professor Hadiza also highlighted the university's commitment to establishing partnerships with various organizations to open doors for ABU students, including job creation, internships, SIWES placements, and employability opportunities. She also commended the efforts and commitment of the Vice-Chancellor in making ABU greater.
Professor O.O. Okubanjo, Provost, Postgraduate College, in his goodwill message emphasized the importance of the workshop. He commended the Counseling and Human Development Center for initiating the programme, which demonstrates ABU's commitment to producing quality and productive graduates.
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| Attendees at the ABU-RISE initiative launch, ABU Samaru |
Professor Rafindadi, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, extended warm regards to the university community. He explained the Vice-Chancellor's vision and mission for students' career development and for taking ABU research from the laboratory to the market.
The Vice-Chancellor also noted that ABU has secured collaborations with universities and organizations across the world.
In his speech, he further commended the Director, Counseling and Human Development Center, for her commitment and efforts in advancing the university's vision. He finally unveiled the logo of the ABU-RISE initiative, which signifies Readiness, Innovation, Skills, and Employability, marking a visionary step for the university.
In an interview, the Deputy Director, Counseling and Human Development Center, Dr. Haruna Muhammad, explained the philosophy behind the groundbreaking initiative:
"The idea of ABU-RISE is an offshoot of the fact that there has been a discovery we have made. Part of it comes from the visitations, linkages, and collaborations we have made with industries in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano," he said.
He added:
"There's a mismatch between what is obtainable at the university and what is obtainable in the workplace."
According to the Deputy Director, the university identified the gap as a major area to address in order to enhance students' chances of meeting the demands of industries.
"This mismatch is a source of concern to many industries. Even though we have graduates who are brilliantly trained in the university, they do not acquire some of those skills, values, and attitudes that are expected of them by the industries," he stated.
Muhammad also added:
"So this mismatch has been a source of concern and, for that reason, the Counseling and Human Development Center has come up with this initiative of ABU-RISE—ABU Readiness, Innovation, Skills and Employability."
He further stated:
"We instill the ideals of becoming ready and acquiring those skills and innovation that are needed for them to be reliable in the labour market."
The staff training began immediately with Professor Muhammad Muftahu, former Dean, Faculty of Education, Kaduna State University, as the first speaker. Professor Muftahu presented on the topic "Evidence-based Coaching for Performance and Development."
Other speakers included Dr. Haruna Muhammad, Deputy Director, Counseling and Human Development Center, and Professor J.A. Gwani, former Dean, Faculty of Education, ABU Zaria.