Caleb University has held its 2026 Employability Fair, bringing students and industry leaders together to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace demands across a two day programme.

The event, themed "Beyond the Degree: Unlocking Skills, Networks, and Opportunities for a Dynamic Job Market," was designed to expose students to employers, strengthen workplace readiness and create opportunities for internships, referrals and employment. Now in its third edition, the fair has previously produced graduates who secured internships and employment through earlier editions.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Olalekan Asikhia, told business leaders attending the fair that universities must go beyond awarding degrees by preparing students for labour market realities. He urged employers to look beyond academic certificates when recruiting, describing Caleb graduates as adaptable, technology driven and equipped for today's workplace. He asserted, "Hiring a graduate of this university is not an act of charity or corporate social responsibility. It is a strategic business decision."

Chairman of the 2026 Employability Fair Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration, Prof Adesola Adetutu Ajayi, said the initiative was created to connect talented graduates with the right opportunities. She maintained, "Talent is not our problem in Nigeria. Opportunities and connections are."

The Keynote speaker and Founder of SEED Care and Support Foundation, Mrs Olanrewaju Oniyitan, challenged students to treat their degrees as only the starting point of their professional journey. She argued that long term career success depends on character, competence and courage rather than academic qualifications alone. She told participants, "The greatest competitive advantage is not your certificate; it is the person you become."

Dr Solomon Abiodun Oyeleye, the Acting Director of Parents Engagement and Alumni Relations, said the first day focused on interview preparation, personal branding and career development, while the second day gave students direct access to recruiters who assessed candidates for employment, internships and referrals.

Oyeleye added that the fair's success should not be measured solely by jobs offered but also by whether students leave with a clearer understanding of employer expectations. Participating organisations included MTN Nigeria, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, NNPC Pension, Trustfund Pensions Limited, Obasanjo Holdings Limited and several others.