The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its Online Skills Academy (OSA), a six-week virtual learning series held from October 25 to December 6, 2025. The program attracted 1,385 participants from 23 countries, representing 154 academic institutions and 280 unique companies, underscoring the Academy’s growing global reach and cross-sector relevance.
The 2025 Online Skills Academy was designed to equip students, early-career professionals, faculty, and healthcare practitioners with critical skills for academic advancement, career readiness, and leadership in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
The series opened with a highly engaging NHEF Alumni Panel on Graduate School and Scholarship Opportunities, featuring alumni Ayodele Oladipo, Prince Ikpabi, Josephine Adah, and Umar Muhammad, and moderated by Iyinoluwa Ogundairo. The panelists shared firsthand insights on navigating graduate education pathways, securing competitive scholarships, and leveraging global academic opportunities.
In Week Two, participants deepened their financial capability through a session on Financial Literacy and Investment Basics, led by Akwaugo Anyanwu, Senior Partnerships Associate at Bamboo. The session provided practical guidance on budgeting, saving, investing, understanding financial risk, and building long-term wealth, empowering participants to make informed financial decisions.
Week Three focused on The Future of Work: AI, Automation, and Career Readiness, facilitated by Dr. Emeka Azinge, Director of ICLED Business School. The session explored how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries and highlighted the skills, adaptability, and mindsets required to remain competitive and relevant in the modern workplace.
In Week Four, Mr. Olumide Ajomale, CEO of Facilitation and Training Services Ltd, led an in-depth session on Career Planning and Professional Development. Participants were guided through goal setting, professional skill development, and actionable career planning strategies aimed at enhancing employability and long-term career success.
Week Five featured a faculty-centered session titled Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Teaching Effectiveness, again led by Dr. Emeka Azinge. Educators explored practical applications of AI in lesson planning, assessment, student engagement, and personalized learning, with a focus on improving teaching outcomes and classroom efficiency.
As part of the broader OSA series, NHEF also delivered the second edition of its health-focused Online Skills Academy for healthcare practitioners and industry enthusiasts. The webinar, titled Global Health Opportunities, was led by Dr. Annette Imohe, a distinguished public health physician. Participants examined global health career and academic pathways, opportunities for international collaboration, and ways to contribute meaningfully to addressing critical health challenges worldwide.
Through the 2025 Online Skills Academy, NHEF reaffirmed its commitment to developing globally competitive talent by delivering accessible, high-impact learning experiences that bridge education, industry, and global opportunity. Since its launch in 2020, the NHEF Online Skills Academy has trained nearly 5,500 students and young professionals, equipping them with essential skills and guidance for academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial success.
If you missed the series or would like to watch it again, please click here to access the recordings.
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About NHEF
The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) is committed to advancing higher education in Nigeria by bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through its range of programs, including scholarships, internships, and professional development initiatives, NHEF continues to prepare exceptional young Nigerians for global leadership and impact.