UNIZIK ENGLISH DEPT. TRAINS FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS IN AI, DIGITAL AND WORKPLACE SKILLS

By Nkiru Anakor
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‎The Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has organised a workshop to equip final-year students with digital and professional skills needed to succeed in the evolving world of work.
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‎The workshop, titled “Future-Ready Skills for the 21st Century English Language Graduate”, with the theme “Think, Communicate, Connect and Build with Tech,” was held on Aug. 21 at the Faculty Auditorium. The event attracted the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, alongside other university officials, academics, staff and students.
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‎Speaking at the workshop, the Head of Department, Prof. Odochi Silver Akujobi, appreciated the vice-chancellor, dignitaries, staff and students for their support and participation.
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Prof. Akujobi stressed the need for students of the humanities to integrate technology into their professional development, noting that graduates who combine strong humanities training with digital competencies would be better positioned to compete in the modern job market.
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‎She explained that the Artificial Intelligence segment of the workshop was designed to introduce students to practical digital tools and help them develop professional digital portfolios.
‎According to her, the future of work is increasingly being shaped by the digital and creative economy, making technological competence an important advantage for graduates.
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‎She, noted that the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence has also increased the value of distinctly human qualities such as empathy, ethical reasoning, cultural awareness and effective communication.
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‎Prof. Akujobi said these qualities remain particularly important for graduates of English and other humanities disciplines, whose training equips them with critical thinking, communication and cultural competencies.
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‎She added that the workshop was tailored to the needs of final-year students to provide practical knowledge about industry expectations, professional skills and emerging career opportunities as they prepare to transition from university to the workplace.
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‎The head of department urged the students to embrace technology without losing the critical thinking, communication and cultural values developed through their academic training. She also reminded them of their identity as the “Crown of the Arts,” charging them to uphold the reputation of the department and distinguish themselves through their academic, professional and creative achievements.
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‎Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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