Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the Canadian Education Council (CEC), to establish an International Career Centre (ICC) aimed at strengthening career development, employability, and job readiness among students and recent graduates of the institution.
Speaking at a meeting held with members of Management of the University the representative of the Canadian Education Council, Dr. Adeniyi John, stated that the ICC when fully operational would serve as a structured platform for aligning academic outcomes with global workforce expectations.
According to him, through the initiative, students of the University would be better equipped with relevant skills, practical exposure, and internationally recognised credentials, needed “to succeed in today’s competitive labour market, both locally and globally.”
Dr. Adeniyi further stated that the centre would deliver a range of targeted interventions, focusing on career guidance and structured employability programmes.
“These initiatives will support students through professional career counselling, workplace readiness, training, and tailored employability support, aligned with industry demands. In addition, the centre will provide access to local and international internship, and employment opportunities, enabling students and graduates to gain hands-on experience and build valuable professional networks.” he stated.
The CEC representative also added that the key feature of the partnership is the introduction of employability and skill gap assessments, aligned with international standards, which would help participants to identifying areas for improvement and meet globally accepted benchmarks.
In addition, he also stated that the centre also aimed at preparing students for the CEC International Employment Licence, a digital and verifiable credential trusted by employers worldwide to validate job readiness and employability.
He further explained that to ensure long-term impact and sustainability, the partnership includes capacity building for university career and placement officers, equipping them with modern tools, methodologies, and global best practices for delivering effective career services.”
Similarly, he added that under the agreement, the Canadian Education Council would provide technical expertise, an internationally benchmarked employability framework, and a secure digital credentialing system while AFUED would in turn, facilitate student engagement, provide physical infrastructure and furniture for the centre, and integrate its activities within its operations.
Responding, the AFUED Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola expressed sincere appreciation to the representatives of CEC for their readiness to collaborate with the university for enhancement of enhancing knowledge and global exposure among its students.
Prof. Popoola acknowledged the need for reforms that align with higher education and global employment standards. He further highlighted the importance of international academic partnerships in preparing students for a rapidly globalizing world and commended the Canadian Education Council for its commitment to academic excellence, student development, and cross-cultural learning.
“This collaboration is a significant step toward enriching our students’ academic experience. The initiatives introduced through the Canadian Education Council will provide our students with greater exposure to international education systems, research opportunities, and global best practices”.
“The collaboration is expected to play a key role in empowering students with global competencies and fostering a culture of academic excellence at the university.” he said, the event which held at the Old Council Chamber of the Vice Chancellor Office on the 18th of December, 2025 had in attendance the Principal Officers including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Alao; the Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; the Bursar, Mrs. Tawio Adedoyin; and the University Librarian, Dr. Azino Akpokurerie.
Also present were representatives of the Canadian Education Council (CEC), led by Engr. Adesiyan Olugbenga, and the Council’s Career Officer, Mr. Gbenga Timothy.
Others important dignitaries present on the occasion were the Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogboru; Prof. E. O Adeleye Dean Faculty of Vocation and Technical Education; Dean, Faculty of Art, Prof. T. A Fawehinmi; Dean, Director Council Affairs and General Administration, Mrs. Veronica Akpe; Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Oluseto Olatuyi and Dean of Faculty of General Studies, Dr. O. Adeleye; Director International Linkages and Research, Dr. (Mrs.) Adejumoke. B Ale; Director, Information and Communication, Technology, Dr. Rafiu Sanni; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dr. B. V Akinlewe; Deputy Director of Academic Planning, Dr. M. O Lawal; Counselling, Human Development and Career Services, Dr. Martins F Dada; Head, Education, Psychology and Counselling, Dr. M. O Oyetayo.
Others are: AFUED Student Union President, Mr. James Friday; General Secretary, Mr. Babalola Samson Olayemi as well as Chief Clerk, Opeyemi Ayuba.
