From March 24th to March 28th, 2025, the Safe Migration Advocacy and Employability Training session took place at Osun State Polytechnic Iree. The four-day event aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge on safe migration pathways, vocational training, and employment opportunities in Germany. This session was organized by various stakeholders, including the Migrant Resource Centre, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), and GIZ.

The session was officially opened by the Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Comrade Kehinde Adeyemi Alabi, who welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of safe migration and skill acquisition aligned with international standards. Following this, various distinguished speakers, including Barrister Maureen from FMLE and Ayomikun Olugbode from GIZ, delivered powerful messages supporting the initiative and its goal to guide potential migrants towards safer migration routes.

Key Components of the Training

The training covered a broad range of topics, including:

• Safe Migration: Understanding legal and safe migration practices, with a focus on avoiding fraudulent schemes.

• Employability Skills: Techniques for enhancing job readiness, including CV writing, interview preparation, and soft skills.

• Vocational Training in Germany: An overview of work-study opportunities available in Germany and the application process for aspiring migrants.

• Government and Private Sector Roles: Insights into the collaboration between governmental and private sectors to ensure safe and legal migration.

In-depth discussions and presentations followed, addressing the roles of the FMLE, Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs), and the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) in promoting safe migration. Experts provided valuable advice on employment laws, workers’ rights, and the legal frameworks for safe migration.

Participants’ Engagement and Takeaways

The session was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and asking questions. They gained practical insights into employability pathways and migration options. One of the highlights was the presentation by Mr. Ayomikun Olugbode of GIZ on work-study opportunities in Germany, which provided detailed information on in-demand jobs and qualifications for migrants.

Participants were also introduced to alternatives to migration, such as entrepreneurship, small businesses, and government programs to create local opportunities. This discussion emphasized the importance of considering local alternatives to migration, addressing push factors, and exploring sustainable options for personal growth.

Session Outcomes and Feedback

The training successfully engaged 1,236 Higher National Diploma final-year students from various faculties, including Management Sciences, Information and Communication Technology, Financial Studies, and Engineering. Feedback from students indicated a strong appreciation for the in-depth guidance provided, particularly on the benefits of safe migration and vocational opportunities in Germany.

Recommendations for Future Sessions

• More volunteers or staff members should be involved in future collaborations to ensure better visibility and engagement.

• Expanding the program’s outreach and involving more local organizations would enhance the training’s effectiveness.

• Providing continued support and mentorship post-training would ensure that participants can successfully navigate their migration and employment journeys.

Conclusion

The Safe Migration Advocacy and Employability Training session was a crucial step towards educating and empowering students about safe migration, career opportunities, and vocational training. It has contributed significantly to building a generation of well-informed individuals who can make safe and informed decisions about their future. As the global conversation on migration continues to evolve, initiatives like this are essential in providing young people with the right tools and knowledge to succeed.