FCT Department Of Higher Education

Rapporteur Committee Report on the Concluded Canadian Education Council Partnership

With the FCT Department of Higher Education

Submitted to Mr. Siyanbola O. O the director of department of higher education.
Date: 8th December 2025

At the directors office, Sule Maitama street Asokoro, FCT.

More photos from yesterday event

𝗙𝗖𝗧 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆!

Yesterday, the FCT Department of Higher Education reaffirmed its strong commitment to tackling graduate unemployment and bridging Nigeria’s growing skills gap through a one-day Sensitisation Programme on Career Development and Employability Enhancement Initiatives.

The event held in collaboration with the Canadian Education Council (CEC) brought together students, educators, and stakeholders from universities, colleges of education, schools of health sciences, and other tertiary institutions across the FCT.
The goal? To equip young graduates with the right skills, mindset, and exposure to succeed in today’s competitive world of work.

Declaring the meeting open, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayo (represented by Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre), described the collaboration as “a new beginning in the drive to make tertiary education in the FCT globally competitive.”

“This sensitisation is a call to action. We must all work together to close the gap between academic training and the realities of the labour market,” he said.

Dr. Hayo also revealed plans to establish International Career Centres across FCT tertiary institutions to provide structured career guidance, mentorship, and international exposure for students, a move he described as “a welcome development.”
Speaking during the programme, Mr. Siyanbola O.O., Director of Higher Education, noted that many graduates struggle to get jobs because of the wide gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

“Most of the students we produce are difficult for the labour market to employ,” he said. “We need to produce graduates that are marketable, skilled, and industry-ready.”

In his lecture, Dr. Adeniyi John, Country Director of the Canadian Education Council, called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s education system to boost productivity and employability.
“Career development should not stop in the classroom,” he said. “It’s about discovering problems, finding solutions, and creating value.”

Dr. Adeniyi explained that the CEC is partnering with the FCT to establish International Career Centres, similar to successful models already operating in parts of Western Nigeria. These centres will help both students and educators develop innovative, solution-driven mindsets.

He also warned that the continuous production of unemployable graduates poses both reputational and financial risks to higher institutions, urging them to strengthen career counselling and practical training.
The sensitisation meeting ended with renewed commitments from all participants to strengthen partnerships, integrate employability training into academic programmes, and promote continuous career awareness across all tertiary institutions in the FCT.

The FCT Department of Higher Education remains committed to working closely with local and international partners including the Canadian Education Council to make tertiary institutions in the FCT models of excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

Be part of this meeting

𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗢𝗡𝗘-𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠

The Canadian Education Council (CEC) in partnership with the FCT Department of Higher Education
cordially invites you to a One-Day Sensitization Program on Career Development and Employability Enhancement Initiatives for Tertiary Institutions in the FCT.

Join us as we engage stakeholders, educators, and students on shaping globally competitive graduates and strengthening career pathways across FCT tertiary institutions.

Theophilus Noah Baba
Head of information
FCT Dept. of Higher Education

𝗙𝗖𝗧𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗖𝗧 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

In a significant step towards improving graduate employability, the FCTA Department of Higher Education has met with the Canadian Education Council (CEC) to discuss the establishment of International Career Centres in all higher institutions across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Representing the Council, Dr. Adeniyi John, Country Director, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academic qualifications and real-world skills. According to him, the initiative aims to make every graduate from FCT institutions globally employable through structured mentorship, early career guidance, and practical skill exposure.

“It’s time our graduates become globally relevant. Career centres will help students discover their interests early, gain hands-on experience through internships, and earn professional certifications while still in school,” said Dr. Adeniyi.

The proposed centres will provide continuous career counseling, organize internship placements, and offer globally recognized certification programs. Upon completion, students will not only graduate with degrees but also with professional licenses that qualify them for international job opportunities.

The Department of Higher Education welcomed the initiative wholeheartedly. The Director assured the Council of full support and pledged to organize a sensitization program across all tertiary institutions in the FCT to enlighten administrators, staff, and students about the benefits of the Career Centre project.

“The success of our graduates is our collective responsibility,” the Director noted during the closing remarks. “We will ensure every institution in the FCT adopts this model so that our students are better prepared for the world beyond school.”
The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks from the Director, Department of Higher Education, reaffirming the department’s commitment to student development and global competitiveness.

FCT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN-HOUSE SEMINAR SERVICOM

Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

We are delighted to inform you of the successful completion of our in-house seminar held to strengthen our service delivery and operational excellence within the FCT Department of Higher Education.

The seminar featured insightful presentations on key topics central to enhancing our mandate:

Wakilil Abdullahi – Five Drivers of SERVICOM in Every Organisation

Highlighted the core pillars that ensure effective service delivery: leadership commitment, employee engagement, feedback mechanisms, process standardization, and accountability structures.

Mr. Okonta Godwin – Dangers of Procrastination in Public Service and How to Overcome

Addressed the pitfalls of delay in executing public duties and shared practical strategies to cultivate timeliness, proactive planning, and result-driven attitudes.

Mrs. Joy Elechukwu – Key Responsibilities of SERVICOM Complaint Redress Mechanism in Service Delivery

Shed light on complaint handling structures, transparency measures, and how effective redress systems restore public trust.

Aweh Okpeyeymi – Driving Service Improvement and Fostering a Service-Oriented Culture in Higher Institutions

Emphasized innovation, staff capacity building, and a culture of continuous improvement as cornerstones for transformative education service delivery.

Outcome:
The seminar deepened our understanding of SERVICOM principles, strengthened our commitment to prompt and efficient service, and reinforced our dedication to fostering a service-oriented culture across higher institutions in the FCT.

Next Steps:

Implementation of key takeaways within our respective units.

Strengthening of complaint redress mechanisms and feedback channels.

Continued staff engagement through periodic capacity-building sessions.

Together, we remain committed to raising the bar in service delivery!

Warm regards,
Theophilus Noah Baba
For: FCT Department of

BI-WEEKLY PRESENTATION REPORT

Date: Tuesday, 27th May 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: FCT DHE Conference Hall

1. Introduction
The bi-weekly departmental presentation held on Tuesday, 27th May 2025, took place at the FCT DHE Conference Hall. The session commenced at 10:00 AM and was well attended by staff and stakeholders within the education sector.

2. Presentation Overview
Topic: Digital Literacy and Skills Development in Nigerian Colleges of Education: Policies, Barriers, and Call to Action
Presenter: Mr. Adamu Auta Adamu, COE Division

The presentation addressed the current state of digital literacy in Nigerian Colleges of Education, examining existing policies, identifying prevalent barriers, and emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to improve digital skills among students and educators.

3. Key Highlights
Overview of national and institutional policies supporting digital literacy in the education sector.

Identification of major barriers including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to digital tools, and insufficient training for educators.

Emphasis on the growing importance of digital competencies in modern teaching and learning environments.

Call for a multi-stakeholder approach to enhance digital capacity through policy reform, investment in ICT, and continuous professional development.

4. Audience Engagement
The session was interactive, with participants engaging in meaningful discussions and contributing diverse perspectives on the subject. The presentation created an open atmosphere for dialogue on challenges and practical solutions.

5. Conclusion
The presentation was brief yet impactful, effectively raising awareness about the urgent need for digital transformation in Colleges of Education. It concluded with a strong call to action for stakeholders to collaborate in building a digitally literate and future-ready educational workforce.

*FCT Ministerial SERVICOM Unit Advocacy Visit to the FCT Department of Higher Education*

The FCT Ministerial SERVICOM Unit paid an advocacy visit to the Department of Higher Education (DHE) to orient and remind all staff that effective service delivery is non-negotiable. The emphasis was placed on the importance of treating all customers with respect and professionalism.

The visit commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Siyanbolo O. O., Director of the FCT Department of Higher Education. Following this, the SERVICOM Nodal Officer delivered a brief sensitization speech, outlining the purpose of the visit and reiterating the core principles of SERVICOM in enhancing service standards.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Godwin Okonta, the newly appointed SERVICOM Officer in charge of the Department of Higher Education.

*Knowledge: A True Catalyst for Growth*

The FCT DHE Bi-Weekly Presentation continues to serve as a powerful platform for capacity building, significantly enriching staff knowledge and reigniting a passion for continuous intellectual development.

Highlights from Yesterday’s Session:

The session commenced with a compelling orientation on *SERVICOM* , delivered by *Mr. Godwin Okonta,* Deputy Director from the University Division of DHE. He offered a clear and comprehensive breakdown of essential service principles, including customer rights, expectations, responsibilities, feedback mechanisms, and complaint resolution processes. This segment underscored the critical importance of service excellence in public institutions.

The core presentation, hosted by the Administrative Division and skillfully facilitated by *Zubair Riskat Abiola* , explored the topic:

" *Critical Thinking and Conflict Management Strategies: A Catalyst for Innovation and Enhanced Organizational Performance in the 21st Century."*

The session was intellectually stimulating, equipping participants with practical strategies to foster innovation, resolve workplace conflicts constructively, and drive institutional excellence in today’s dynamic professional landscape.

Theophilus Noah Baba
FCT DHE information Desk

𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 (𝗦𝗧𝗜): 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗗𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The 2025 Department of Higher Education (DHE) paper presentation commenced with great intensity and impact, emphasizing the crucial need for awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Special Needs Unit delivered a paper titled "𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝘀," 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗿. 𝗨𝘆𝗶 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗲
, the head of the Health Unit at the FCT Department of Higher Education.

The session began promptly at 10:25 AM, with the FCT DHE Director welcoming everyone, highlighting the purpose of the gathering, and encouraging participants to take the presentation seriously. Following this, Mr. Abu Lauya, Head of the Special Needs Unit, reinforced the importance of the discussion.

The presentation was highly interactive and educational, shedding light on the reality and prevalence of STIs. Participants were reminded of the importance of being proactive and intentional in preventing these infections.

At the close of the session, the Paper Presentation Committee Head announced that the next presentation, led by the University Division, will take place on March 4th.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗮𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮
𝗗𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁

𝗙𝗖𝗧𝗔 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

Abuja, February 4, 2025
By Theophilus Noah Baba

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that no child is left behind due to disabilities. This commitment was emphasized at the unveiling ceremony of the Needs Magazine, a publication by the Department of Special Needs Education, held on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗢. 𝗢
, the Director of the FCT Department of Higher Education, represented the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Education Secretariat, 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝘆𝘆𝗼
In his address, he reiterated the administration’s dedication to providing quality education for special needs learners and bridging the gap caused by years of neglect and marginalization.

Mr. Siyanbola underscored the need for society to recognize and support special needs education, stressing that the Needs Magazine would serve as a crucial tool for awareness. He urged stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers, to collaborate in ensuring that learners with disabilities receive the necessary resources and opportunities.

He further highlighted the efforts of the FCTA in enhancing specialized services for children with special needs, emphasizing the administration’s continuous investment in inclusive education policies, infrastructure, and training programs for educators.

The opening speech was delivered by Mr. Jonah O. Aturu, Director of the FCT Department of Special Needs Education. The event saw the attendance of several key officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Sani Ladan; Director of the Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sule Mundi; the Rector of the College of Education, Zuba; and the Director of School Services, among others.

The unveiling of the Needs Magazine marks a significant step in promoting awareness and advocacy for special needs learners, reinforcing the FCTA’s commitment to an inclusive and equitable education system.