The 2024 edition of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Online Skills Academy (OSA) achieved remarkable success, offering tailored sessions for students, young professionals, graduate doctors, and lecturers. With a robust curriculum designed to enhance professional and academic competencies, the series attracted 1,163 participants, underscoring its relevance and global reach. The 2024 series lasted for 7 weeks from Saturday, October 26 to Saturday, December 7, 2025.
Across the first five weeks, the series welcomed 1,029 attendees from 16 countries, 106 academic institutions, and 104 organizations, reflecting a strong interest from students and young professionals eager to upskill and increase their competitiveness. The sessions covered critical topics, featuring renowned facilitators who shared practical knowledge and strategies:
Week 1 (October 26, 2024): Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Dr. Emeka Azinge, Director ICLED Business School Consult
Dr. Azinge kickstarted the series with a dynamic session on entrepreneurship. He inspired participants to identify market gaps, foster creativity, and turn innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.
Week 2 (November 2, 2024): Leveraging Technology for Career Growth – Dr. Emeka Azinge, Director ICLED Business School Consult
This session explored how digital tools and platforms can enhance career progression. Dr. Azinge shared strategies for building professional networks, showcasing skills, and staying ahead in a tech-driven world.
Week 3 (November 9, 2024): Career Planning and Professional Development – Mr. Olumide Ajomale, CEO, Facilitation and Training Services Ltd
Mr. Ajomale provided actionable advice on setting career goals, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating workplace challenges. The session empowered attendees to take charge of their professional journeys.
Week 4 (November 16, 2024): Effective CV and Cover Letter Writing – Nkechi Nwokorie, Strategy & Analytics Consultant, Deloitte
Nkechi Nwokorie led an engaging session on crafting standout CVs and cover letters. Participants learned practical tips to highlight their achievements and make compelling applications for jobs and scholarships.
Week 5 (November 23, 2024): Graduate School and Scholarship Opportunities – Panel Discussion
This lively panel featured NHEF Alumni Scholars – Ibrahim Nureni, Jennifer Agbo, Abdullahi Ahmad, and Ahmed Adeagbo, moderated by Kofoworola Omowale. The panelists shared insider tips on applying for graduate programs and scholarships, including how to stand out in competitive applications.
Week 6 – Healthcare Industry/Graduate Doctors Session (November 30, 2024): Global Health and Research Opportunities – Dr. Helen Anyasi, Project Director, FHI 360
Dr. Anyasi delivered an insightful session on how medical professionals can engage in global health initiatives and international research. Attendees gained clarity on career pathways in global health and the value of collaborative research. This session attracted 67 attendees from six countries.
Week 7 – Faculty Session (December 7, 2024): Grant Writing Made Easy – Dr. Opeyemi Babatunde, Senior Lecturer, Keele University, UK
Dr. Babatunde simplified the complexities of grant writing, offering practical steps to create compelling proposals. The session was a game-changer for academics looking to secure funding for their research projects. It drew 67 participants keen on enhancing their funding prospects and advancing their work.
The 2024 Online Skills Academy demonstrated the NHEF’s commitment to fostering connections across Nigeria and beyond. Attendees represented institutions outside the Foundation’s six partner universities, underscoring the program’s extensive reach. The participation of 104 unique organizations reflected a growing interest among early-career professionals in upskilling to remain competitive in their fields.
Through its expertly curated sessions, the NHEF Online Skills Academy continues to provide transformative learning experiences, empowering participants to achieve personal and professional excellence in a competitive global landscape.