In a landmark event held at the University Main Auditorium, Igbinedion University Okada took centre stage in the Nigerian higher education landscape by emphasising the importance of entrepreneurial skills acquisition and leveraging digital technologies. The occasion, marked by the opening of Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition and Employability Training, showcased the university’s commitment to producing future-ready graduates capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada, highlighted the university’s pioneering efforts in introducing entrepreneurial skills as a course before it became compulsory in all Nigerian universities as per the National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines. He expressed gratitude for the support received from federal and state governments, as well as the NUC, recognising the immense potential that entrepreneurial skill acquisition holds for the youth of the nation.
With a focus on practical training, Igbinedion University engages all its 300-level students across its various colleges in entrepreneurial studies. Building upon the foundational course, EPS 211, undertaken in the second year, this comprehensive training aims to prepare students psychologically for life beyond the confines of the ivory tower. By equipping students with entrepreneurial acumen, the university strives to ensure their successful transition into gainful employment or entrepreneurial ventures.
Embracing innovation and excellence, Igbinedion University takes pride in spearheading a higher education revolution in Nigeria. The institution is renowned for its smart campus, centres of excellence, cosmopolitan, future-ready graduates, and internationally accredited programs. Aligned with its motto of knowledge and excellence, the university remains committed to its vision of producing highly skilled graduates capable of making their mark anywhere in the world.
During the event, the guest speaker, Professor Oladunni Daramola, a distinguished professor of information technology and director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Leveraging Digital Technologies to Realise Your Entrepreneurial Dream.” Professor Daramola emphasised the importance of harnessing recent technological advancements to expand knowledge frontiers and tap into entrepreneurial opportunities on a global scale.
Highlighting the potential benefits of digital technologies, Professor Daramola urged students and institutions to embrace cloud computing, process automation, social media utilisation, and investment in analytics. By adopting these tools and platforms, individuals and businesses can enhance productivity, reach a broader client base, and ultimately expand their ventures.
The event at Igbinedion University Okada showcased the institution’s unwavering commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital and entrepreneurial landscape. With its focus on practical training and technological innovation, the university continues to shape the future of education in Nigeria, producing graduates who are well-prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
