American Chemical Society (ACS) Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Student Chapter has successfully hosted its maiden two-day capacity-building programme, empowering about 150 students with essential skills in academic development, career readiness, digital communication and personal productivity.
The landmark event attracted undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty members and invited facilitators. Strong participation, hands-on sessions and positive feedback underscored the programme’s impact, while further strengthening the visibility and relevance of the ACS Student Chapter within the university community.
Speaking at the event, the Faculty Advisor of the ACS MOUAU Chapter, Dr. Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi, presented a comprehensive overview of the American Chemical Society, highlighting its mission, vision and global influence. She emphasized the benefits of active ACS membership, including access to scholarships, grants, research resources, leadership opportunities and international professional networks, urging students to leverage ACS platforms to enhance their academic profiles, research exposure and global engagement.
In a separate session entitled; “Time Management: Mastering Purposeful Productivity,” Dr. Onyedikachi equipped participants with practical strategies for effective time utilization. She distinguished between mere busyness and true productivity, introducing tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix, Time Blocking, SMART Goals, the Pomodoro Technique and the 80/20 Rule. Through guided exercises, including time audits and goal breakdowns, participants were shown how to better align daily activities with long-term academic and career objectives.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Okenwa Uchenna Igwe, urged students to prioritize continuous professional development, scientific excellence and active participation in initiatives that prepare them for competitive academic and career pathways.
Meanwhile, a technical session featuring a practical workshop on CV Writing and Career Development, facilitated by Dr. Augustine Igbozulike, trained participants on developing compelling and competitive curricula vitae. The session emphasized effective presentation of academic achievements, research experience and leadership roles, while also guiding students on tailoring their CVs for scholarships, internships, research placements and conference participation.
The programme also featured a hands-on workshop on Digital Skills for Science Communication, co-facilitated by Dr. Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi and Mr. Dubem Obiora. Participants learned effective slide design, poster development and research presentation techniques, and were introduced to digital tools such as Canva, PowerPoint, Prezi, CapCut and InShot for creating engaging scientific content. Practical activities included the creation of short presentations and science explainer videos, followed by peer review and feedback.
The event ended with a session on ACS Opportunities and Motivation, during which participants were further enlightened on available scholarships, grants, internships and leadership pathways within the ACS. Students were encouraged to remain active in ACS programmes, build professional networks and position themselves for global scientific engagement.
Overall, the two-day programme significantly improved participants’ skills in CV writing, scientific and digital communication, research presentation, time management and personal productivity. The initiative positioned the ACS MOUAU Student Chapter as a growing hub for leadership development, scientific excellence and career readiness, reaffirming its commitment to empowering students for success within and beyond the university.
