The highly anticipated DBAFIC 2024, the 1st International Conference of the Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos kicked-off on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with a workshop on Advanced Research Method & Data Analysis (ARMANDA) at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall.
Beyond the workshop which featured thought-provoking interactions, and post-field presentations by M.Phil./Ph.D. students of the Department the three (3) day hybrid Conference with the theme: Exploring the Future of Sustainable Entrepreneurship Development in Africa brought together scholars, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to share insights and ideas on the continent’s sustainable future.
Setting the tone for the Conference, the Head of Department of Business Administration, Professor Bolajoko Dixon-Ogbeche in her welcome address averred that “sustainable entrepreneurship is not just a buzzword; but an imperative”. She added that“the theme of the conference is key to creating businesses that are environmentally conscious, socially just, and economically viable”.
Similarly, the opening remarks of the Director of Academic Planning, Prof Mathew Olusoji Ilori who represented the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, underscored the timeliness of the conference theme. He urged participants to seize the opportunity provided by the event to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and inspire action towards a more sustainable future for Africa.
His words “We as Africans are now at the forefront of sustainable entrepreneurship development and we must play our part to ensure its progress”.
While enumerating the success being recorded by UNILAG as regards leveraging technology, innovation and collaboration to drive growth, and environmental stewardship towards a huge social impact, Professor Ilori emphasized that the University is dedicated to resolving the issue of unemployment among youths by facilitating and supporting the set-up of campus start-ups and innovative enterprises through its entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programmes.
According to him, some of the programmes include the Studentpreneurship program, Embedded Entrepreneurship Experience, Trans-national Entrepreneurship program, Job Fair program and BITE program amongst several others.
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, who was represented at the conference by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Kasali Adeniran commended the Department of Business Administration for being a conduit for meaningful discussion which aligns with the state government.
His words “We are in support of a new drive that will push innovations and cater for the blooming population. As a matter of fact, Lagos State is shifting to an innovative and sustainable consumption model aimed at saving the future generations of resource scarcity. The launch of Circular Economy Hotspot in Lagos last year pioneered the transformation of the current production order towards regeneration and sustainability. So we are not left out of the need to make our world a better place”.
The occasion offered him an opportunity to encourage entrepreneurs and investors to provide training programs for young entrepreneurs and support their growth through access to funding and mentorship opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor of Business and Innovation, Greater Manchester Business School at the University of Bolton, Hakeem Owolabi shed light on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable entrepreneurship development in Africa. He noted that Africa’s growing youth population has significantly ensured its position as number six out of the ten fastest growing economies in the world.
His presentation pointed out challenges affecting sustainable entrepreneurship in Lagos. These include: limited access to funding and resources; infrastructure gaps (energy, transportation); regulatory barriers and bureaucratic red tape; limited skills and training in sustainable entrepreneurship; climate change and environmental degradation, among others.
The Renowned academic and thought leader suggested a vast array of ways to overcome the challenges, including the need for stakeholders to create an ecosystem that supports African entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium firms.
According to him, sustainable entrepreneurship development goes beyond just providing financial support or creating an enabling business environment. It requires a holistic approach that addresses social issues such as education, health care, access to clean water and energy, among others. Therefore, there must be coordinated attempts by various stakeholders to address these challenges through collaborative efforts aimed at promoting inclusive growth.
DBAFIC 2024 featured three days of top-notch discussions on topics such as innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, with focus on the African perspectives and solutions.
The Conference ended with an evening of social interaction at the ULBS hall, UNILAG on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Below is a pictorial highlight of the evening
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
