The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) in Osun State, has urged students to forge stronger relationships with industry players and professional mentors, saying Nigeria’s development depends on graduates equipped with practical skills as well as academic qualifications.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, made the call at the university’s maiden career fair, themed ‘One Day, Endless Opportunities.’

Represented by Prof. Simiat Jimoh, Lasisi said universities must go beyond classroom instruction by exposing students to industries and organisations that can nurture their talents and prepare them for the realities of the workplace.

He encouraged students to embrace continuous learning, remain open to new opportunities and actively seek mentorship to enhance their professional growth.

The university’s Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Coordinator, Dr Suliat Fadiji, said the career fair was designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace by giving students early exposure to prospective employers.

She noted that many graduates face difficulties securing jobs because employers often require practical experience, making early engagement with the industry essential.

According to her, the initiative targets students preparing for graduation, SIWES placements and the Student Work Experience Programme (SWEP), providing opportunities to interact with employers, explore career options and secure internship placements.

Fadiji stressed that the healthcare sector offers diverse career opportunities beyond medicine and nursing, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, diagnostics, monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance.

She added that stronger collaboration between universities and industry would also promote research that translates academic knowledge into practical innovations addressing societal challenges.

According to her, the university plans to institutionalise the career fair as a yearly event that would attract employers seeking to recruit outstanding graduates directly from the institution.

“The importance of industry-university collaboration cannot be overemphasised. Industry provides resources, while universities provide knowledge. When both work together, innovation flourishes and national development accelerates,” she said.

She also urged organisations to sustain partnerships with the university by supporting research, mentoring students and investing in talent development.

One of the participants, Abdullahi Oiza of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, described the career fair as enlightening, saying it exposed students to the importance of professionalism, networking and interview preparation.

The maiden career fair brought together students, industry leaders, recruiters and professionals to discuss employability, workplace readiness, mentorship and stronger collaboration between academia and industry. The event was supported by DeShalom Pharmaceuticals, Johnvents Group, Yubog Plastics, PearlWorth Mills and HMX Pharmacy.