The Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, has charged 400/500 level students of the university to be Intentional in their career path choices.
He made the statement during the second edition of the Imo State University (IMSU) career day which was tagged "Intentionality in Career Path Choices": Building Positive Career Mindset and Aptitude for Success. The decentralized event took place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in all Faculties.
While making his opening remarks, the IMSU VC stated that the University Management under his leadership considered it expedient to inculcate Career Service Development (CSD) courses in the academic curriculum of the university, to mentor and groom IMSU students for the challenging world of work, adding that the university is proud that the gains of the exposure have been innumerable.
He explained that the program affords the students an opportunity to have a hands-on, practical connection with both the alumni and other successful industry experts, who are willing to share their personal experiences and provide much-needed support to the university's soon-to-be graduates.
Professor Chukwumaeze stressed that the theme of Intentionality is apt as society today is faced with the sad reality of unplanned career-path journeys. He expressed worry that some students at the time of taking their degree examinations do not have a clear sense of direction of the path to tow after their NYSC experience which results in taking whatever life throws at them, without any self-will or predetermined choices.
He explained that Intentionality in Career Path Choices demands and recommends a conscious, purposeful, and guided decision, that aligns with and complements the values, interests, and innate competencies of the job-seeker, which is opposed to gaining employment by chance.
The IMSU Vice-Chancellor, a Professor of Law, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (FCArb), emphasizes that the Management of IMSU under his leadership are committed to developing well-balanced graduates who have an unshakable determination and are self-aware, ensuring personal growth and development.
While encouraging the students to reflect on their actions and choices, he reminded them that these have implications shortly. He therefore appreciated all the Departmental Career Officers as well as the Deans who have taken up the responsibility of career grooming of the students, assuring them that their labour will not be in vain. He also appreciated all the guests and speakers for living up to their role of Corporate Social Responsibility in molding the students into the high-value employees of tomorrow.
Earlier in her keynote address, the pioneer Director of IMSU Career Services Unit (CSU), Prof. Oby Nnamocha hinted that the Career Service Development (CSD), designated as 100-level and 400/500-level courses are compulsory for first and final-year students, designed to guide along career paths consistent with real-life job situations.
She stated that, as students wind up their journey at school, it is important to drum up their interests in the specific aspect of their disciplines of study in which they intend to build a successful career, noting that no career is superior to the other, rather, each should align with the graduate's self-image, capabilities and interest.
The CSD Director revealed that the career day program affords students an opportunity for a glimpse into the world of work, encouraging them to explore positively identified career paths, as well as to reduce the uncertainties in the minds of the graduating students and provide answers to several questions about work-life as well as serve as a link to employability in the shortest time possible.
While thanking the Vice-Chancellor, Prof U. U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, for availing the students of the opportunity, she saluted the Vice-Chancellor's visionary leadership together with the university management team. She also expressed gratitude to all the resource persons and lecturers for making time and other resources in order to mentor the students.
The CSD Director, however, expressed appreciation to all the Departmental Career Officers who mentor the students in addition to their academic workload. She expressed hope that the event would benefit the graduating students and guide them in making intentional career path decisions.
A team set up by the Vice-Chancellor, comprising: The Director of the Career Services Unit, Professor Oby Nnamocha, The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Aham Ikwumezie, The Director of the Institution for Continuing Education Programme (ICEP) and Evening Studies, Professor M. I. Nwachukwu, The Director of Quality Assurance, Professor K. C. Otiwu, and the Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onyekachi A. Nwaozor, went round the whole Faculties to monitor the event.
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