The University of Lagos took its collaborative drive on Entrepreneurship and Skill acquisition to a whole new dimension when the University led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS, and some members of the University management paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde at his Agodi office in Ibadan.
Prof. Ogundipe in his speech said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with Oyo State Government in rewriting and shaping the unpalatable narrative of youth unemployment within the country.
He revealed that the decision to come to the state was to help build a community of young entrepreneurs who are encouraged to be self-reliant. He mentioned that the quest was to seek latent creativity, grow entrepreneurial interests of the youths within the state in order to acquire skills that are required to develop new ventures and start-ups, such as innovative thinking, business creativity, business planning, proposal writing, risk-taking abilities, and business management.
Prof Ogundipe lauded the many support shown in the past by Engr. Makinde long before his emergence as Governor while he took time to inform him also of the great strides the University of Lagos under his administration has been able to achieve.
He unequivocally asserted that the partnership would help develop the real sector of the Nigerian economy and making our graduates potential employers of labour rather than seekers of employment.
In his response, the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde lauded the initiative of the University especially with taking into account, youth entrepreneurship, which he posited will further provide young people with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive economically throughout their lives, whilst helping their countries prosper as well.
The Alumnus of the University thanked the Vice-Chancellor for deeming his state worthy of such a noble partnership that would move up the state as a youth-driven hub.
Similarly, he expressed interest in supporting the institution in the next coming Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) to be hosted by the University later this year.
The event also had in attendance some top Oyo state Government officials that include Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mrs. Adeosun Adebambo; Chief of Staff, Chief. Lukmon Oyebisi Ilaka.
