The Counselling and Human Development Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, has organised a two day training workshop for staff and students.
The training took place on Tuesday, 23rd and Wednesday, 24th June, 2026 at the CBN Centre for Economics and Finance and Postgraduate College Auditorium, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, lauded the efforts of the Centre for putting the workshop together.
Prof Ahmed, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, said the university is now shifting research from lab to field.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the Centre of the university’s continuous support in subsequent workshops to reshape the minds of students and prepare them for the future.
He commended the Director of the Centre, Prof Hadiza Ahmed Tukur, for her commitment towards the success of the training.
In an address of welcome, the Director, Counselling and Human Development Centre, Prof Hadiza Ahmed Tukur, said the workshop marked an important milestone in the collective pursuit of professional growth, innovation, and excellence in the university.
There were two themes for the workshop – ‘Career Coaching and Mentoring: Effective Strategies for Growth for Staff’ and ‘Linkages and Job Creation for Students’.
She said the themes captured the essence of the intervention to empower the university community with the skills, strategies, and connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world.
According to her, the Centre proudly launched ABU-RISE, an acronym for READINESS, INNOVATION, SKILLS, and EMPLOYABILITY, through its Career Services Unit.
She said ABU-RISE was designed to prepare staff and students for the challenges of the modern workforce, inspire innovation, and ensure that ABU graduates are not only knowledgeable but also industry-ready.
The Director stressed that the Career Services Unit has been at the forefront of this vision.
She emphasized that weeks ago, the Unit, in collaboration with the Directorate of Advancement and International Education, visited companies in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano to explore partnerships.
According to her, the responses were overwhelming, as many organizations expressed eagerness to collaborate with ABU in research and innovation.
She thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the success of the training.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Basic Studies Alumni Association (BASICO), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr Suleiman Ndanusa, commended the Centre for its foresight in convening the training workshop.
Dr Ndanusa said the future belonged not merely to those who possess knowledge, but to those who are connected to opportunities, guided by mentors, and equipped with the skills to transform ideas into value.
He said across the world, meaningful progress is often driven by strong linkages between academia and industry, between experience and ambition, and between those who have walked the path and those preparing to embark upon it.
Mentorship, according to him, helped young people see possibilities beyond the classroom and provided the confidence and direction needed to navigate an increasingly competitive world.
In her remarks, the Chairperson, Committee of Deans and Directors, Prof Maryam Aminu, reiterated that the presentations deepened the understanding of career coaching, mentoring, and the important role lecturers play in preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace.
Prof Maryam, who is also the Dean of Life Sciences, said the unveiling of the ABU-RISE logo signified the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at enhancing innovation, strengthening industry linkages and improving graduate employability.
Different papers were presented at the two days training workshop which was attended by Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, and students.
