By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), have commenced Post Graduate diploma in Career, Guidance and Counseling.
Mr Issa Aremu, the Director General (DG) of the Institute who stated this on Monday in Ilorin at the Opening Ceremony for the Post graduate programme, explained that the pilot programme will include 20 participants from across the country.
He said: “We are going to be awarding Post graduate diploma in Career, Guidance and Counselling with a view of promoting employability and sustainable jobs in the world of works.
Aremu stated that the institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIZ to offer the professional Postgraduate Diploma, adding that the enduring partnership and technical support have been instrumental in realizing the programme.
“It is hoped through this to strengthen lifelong career development services, enhance employability, and promote informed career decision-making in Nigeria’s evolving labour market.
“This collaboration has since yielded visible outcomes. In August 2025, GIZ’s technical team, led by Dr. Shahinaz Khalil, visited the Institute to verify resources and capabilities in readiness for implementation.
“Furthermore, GIZ has continued to provide vital partnership support, including the donation of two laptops to aid programme delivery and the support for feeding and accommodation of 20 participants in this inaugural cohort,” he said.
According to him, the programme is structured to run for nine months, combining in-person classes at MINILS with a distance learning component delivered through our e-campus platform
He explained further that beyond these contributions and developments, the collaboration embodies a strategic and future-oriented sustainability plan jointly developed by MINILS and GIZ.
“The plan ensures that this Postgraduate Diploma programme will remain a permanent feature of the Institute’s annual training calendar, after the initial partnership phase.
“It also includes a field/practicum component, during which participants will provide career guidance and counselling services to beneficiaries of the Labour, Employment, and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), thereby linking theory to practical impact in the Nigeria labour market,” he said.
Aremu pointed out that this initiative aligns closely with Nigeria’s National Development Priorities, particularly in addressing unemployment, underemployment, and the need for skilled career professionals to guide the nation’s growing workforce.
He added that it also supports the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and contributes to the Human Capital Development pillar of President Ahmed Tinubu.
“The president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizes job creation, quality education, and workforce empowerment,” he said.
The director general added that it is expected that after the programme, the Post graduates will also be able to train others in the skills they have acquired.