FCT Collaborates with Vando to Support Secondary School Leavers with Career Guidance

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Secondary Education Board (SEB), has entered into a strategic partnership with Vando Career and Leadership Services to provide comprehensive guidance and career mapping for secondary school leavers in Abuja.

The joint initiative aims to equip graduating students with essential skills, self-awareness, and vocational direction to help them navigate the transition from secondary education into higher learning or the modern workforce.

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Dr Mohammed Ladan, Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, emphasized the critical importance of early career mentoring. He noted that many young people often face confusion or make misaligned choices upon completing their secondary education due to a lack of professional guidance.

"This collaboration is a proactive step toward ensuring that our youth do not just graduate, but do so with a clear, realistic blueprint for their future," Ladan stated. He commended Vando for bringing its expertise to public schools, adding that the FCTA remains committed to holistic youth development.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Vando Career and Leadership Services, Mrs Veronica Osodi, explained that the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical career realities. Through tailored workshops, psychometric assessments, and mentorship sessions, the scheme seeks to discover students' innate strengths and align them with relevant industries.

Osodi further stated that investing in the career choices of school leavers is vital for national economic growth, as it helps curb youth unemployment and prevents the frustration that stems from choosing the wrong academic paths.

The initial phase of the partnership will roll out across selected government secondary schools within the capital territory, with plans underway to expand the career-mentoring framework across all area councils in the region.