The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, has vowed to address the disconnect between academic training and global labour market demands.

The institution disclosed this while unveiling a specialised International Career Centre (ICC) aimed at producing world-class healthcare professionals equipped for cross-border employment.

The centre, established in partnership with the Canadian Education Council (CEC), was described as a shift from theoretical medical education toward competency-driven, internationally benchmarked career preparation.

While speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the country director of the Canadian Education Council, Dr John Adeniyi, explained that the organisation’s core mission in Nigeria is to eliminate the gap between what students learn in lecture halls and what employers demand across international health systems.

Adeniyi noted that the CEC achieved this by embedding international career centres directly within Nigerian universities, ensuring that students gain globally competitive employability skills, accredited professional certifications, and the practical competencies required to thrive in diverse work environments.

It was further stressed that the facility was designed to offer students career development pathways, employability training, international certifications and direct exposure to workplace standards in North America and beyond.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, described the centre’s establishment as a major milestone in the university’s long-term strategy to produce market-ready graduates.

Adejuyigbe emphasised that the ICC would function as a vital bridge linking academic learning to professional practice, offering students career guidance services, employability and leadership training, mentorship programmes, internship placements, and structured exposure to global best practices.

According to the vice-chancellor professor, the partnership with the Canadian Education Council aligns with the university’s vision of raising healthcare professionals and future leaders capable of creating value and driving innovation.

“The establishment of this centre is a reaffirmation of our commitment to nurturing healthcare professionals and leaders who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical skills, international outlook and entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in today’s competitive global environment,” she stated.

She added that the initiative would enhance students’ career prospects, positioning them for long-term success in a rapidly changing world where healthcare delivery models continue to evolve.