Members of staff of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been encouraged to acquire skills that would enable them set up profitable business ventures targeted towards developing the real sector of the economy.
The charge was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, during the opening ceremony of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Training Programme for UNILAG Staff. The event was held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Bank of Industry (BOI) Building, Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre (ESDC), UNILAG.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Development Services), Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Management Services), Professor Lucian O. Chukwu; Director, Quality Assurance & SERVICOM, Professor Olufemi Saibu; Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Obanishola Sadiq; as well as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, who had arrived the University earlier in the day, for a visit to boost collaborative plans with the University. The presence of the SMEDAN boss and his team at the ceremony brought palpable excitement from the visibly elated participants.
Delivering her remarks, the University helmswoman averred that the training was part of efforts by the University leadership to promote entrepreneurial spirit and support staff through skills acquisition.
Professor Ogunsola posited that the training initiative is a significant step towards capacity building and professional development as the university places great premium on the development and welfare of its staff and students.
Her words, “We are so delighted to have in our midst the SMEDAN Boss, as it is such a coincidence that this happened because he did not plan this. However, we are grateful to him for finding time to see what we do and we can only hope that we create a sustainable partnership that will advance our collective efforts in improving the economy through Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)”.
In his address to the excited crowd of participants and guests, Mr. Odii thanked the University Management for ensuring the continuous development of the Nigerian economy by promoting entrepreneurship and skill acquisition within its campus. He underscored the role of his agency in nation building noting that since its establishment it has become a ‘One Stop Shop’ for MSME development and support.
The SMEDAN Director General charged the participants to see themselves as a change agent in rewriting the Nigerian narrative as the MSME subsector continues to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and exports.
His words “…don’t see yourself as not being important. In fact, you are much more of an asset to this country because micro-enterprises form the bedrock for SMEs. With hard work and dedication, you also can create a successful business venture that offers financial freedom to support the lifestyle you want”.
The SMEDAN boss announced the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,00) as prize for the best participant of the cohort, as a way of supporting the institution in its quest to create viable business ventures for its staff.
On his part, Director of the UNILAG Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre (ESDC), Professor Sunday Adebisi gave insights on sustainable business models that could help to improve the society. “As an Entrepreneur, creating your own economy is an exciting opportunity. It’s a chance to decide how you want to use your resources and plan for growth” he remarked.
Similarly, the Convener of the Programme and Deputy Director, UNILAG-ESDC, Dr. Atinuke Lano-Maduagu provided tips to aid the growth of new ventures and start-ups. The tips covered areas such as innovative thinking, business creativity, business planning, proposal writing and business management skills.
The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Training Programme is the inaugural edition for staff of the institution and will be held thrice in the year. The present cohort will commence classes on Thursday, February 8 2024.
The immersive three (3) months training experience is designed to improve creativity and entrepreneurial mindset towards providing alternative sources of income to staff.
You can find the list of successful participating staff in the link below:
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Bayo Salau
