By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh Students’ Career Development Initiative (DIUSCADI) held its sixth edition of the Life After School Career Development Seminar Series (LASCDASS 6.0) on July 24, 2025.
The seminar, themed “Navigating Your Career Path in a Dynamic World,” brought together finalists, undergraduates, academics, technocrats, and entrepreneurs to share experiences and impart knowledge on succeeding in their chosen fields.
The event took place at the ASUU NAU Secretariat, UNIZIK.
The workshop focused on empowering students and fresh graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate their career paths. It also provided a platform for experienced individuals to transfer their knowledge and experiences to the younger generation, helping them succeed in their chosen fields.
Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the occasion and current Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), UNIZIK, Prof. Emmanuel Obidinma eulogized the convener of DIUSCADI, Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh for the initiative with the objective of empowering young school leavers and undergraduate students with the right skills and entrepreneurial spirit that will shape their lives adequately towards facing the society after their academic adventure.
In his remarks, the Royal Father of the day, HRH Elder Timothy Nwanoro commended the DIUSCADI convener for the initiative geared towards preparing the future Graduands for life after school with the right knowledge and skills in various fields of endeavour. The young entrepreneur charged the participants to take advantage of the platform to become self-reliant and develop their Entrepreneurial abilities.
In his address of welcome, the programme convener and founder of DIUSCADI, Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh stated that the aim of the programme is to empower the final year and undergraduate students in higher institutions with the right knowledge and skills needed for a successful career path after their University days.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Univesity Alumni Association (NAUAA) President stated that this year’s theme speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities that define the present age where rapid technological changes, economic shifts, global mobility and evolving industry demands have fundamentally transformed what it means to build a career.
Dr. Umeh while giving a brief historical background of the programme appreciated collaborators/facilitators such as PA-CENT Technologies Ltd, AICIC Concepts Nig. Ltd, Evergreen AICON Fashion House, CODEX group for their insights and top personalities who sponsored LASCDASS 6.0 in various ways. The scholar also informed that DIUSCADI aligns strategically with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Delivering a career talk titled, “Entrepreneurship and Business Management”, Engr. Chito Onuzulike defined entrepreneurship as the ability to develop, organize and run a business enterprise along with uncertainties in order to make a profit. Engr. Onuzulike reminded the students the essence of making an appropriate career choice while in their academic pursuit based on passion and knowledge.
Engr. Onuzulike called on youths to channel their energies into meaningful use by developing themselves through focusing on their studies, imbibing skills and utilizing their time judiciously. He also advised that the road to success is through hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment to one’s field of endeavour.
In her career talk titled, “Curriculum Vitae and Interview Preparation”, a scholar from the Department of Library and Information Science, UNIZIK, Prof. Amaka Florence Nwofor described Curriculum Vitae as a document prepared by a job seeker showcasing ones personal information, experience, academic standing, knowledge and expertise. The scholar gave insights of the content and ways to develop a good CV. Prof. Nwofor also gave useful tips on job search and processes of preparing for interview leading to a successful story in securing a dream job.
One of the discussants and the Anambra APC Gubernatorial Aspirant, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu highlighted the importance of skills development for young adults as quintessential in being successful in a typical Nigeria society of today. Prince Ukachukwu who was represented by Hon. Engr. Tony Uche Eze encouraged the students to take the initiative and be productive as well as make the best out of the opportunity as during their time they did not have such a glorious opportunity as provided by the DIUSCADI Association.
The worksop also featured breakout Hands-on practical concurrent sessions on various areas of interest such as Solar and CCTV installation; digital marketing, fashion designing, confectionaries, software and technology, agriculture and business start-ups.
Other highlights of the seminar were panel discussions, interactive sessions, award presentations, special recognitions and oyomma dance troupe display by the Department of Music, UNIZIK.
