Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, transforming its students into catalysts for innovation and sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship-driven education.
The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, made this known at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition and Employability Training Programme, held on Wednesday at the university’s main campus in Okada, Edo State.
Prof. Ezemonye explained that the programme is designed to ignite the spirit of enterprise among students, equip them with life-changing skills, and prepare them to become job creators and key contributors to national development.
“Entrepreneurial thinking is not just about starting a business; it is about cultivating a way of seeing and responding to the world — with curiosity, creativity, and courage,” Ezemonye said.
“For our students, this means reimagining education as a launchpad for innovation. For our academic staff, it involves embedding entrepreneurial principles into teaching, research, and community engagement. For the institution, it means aligning policy, practice, and partnerships with national and global innovation ecosystems,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that in today’s dynamic and competitive global environment, higher education must go beyond theory to produce graduates equipped with practical competencies capable of solving real-world problems.
He described the Founder and Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, as “enterprise personified,” noting that his life exemplifies vision, perseverance, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
“The Chancellor’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a global business empire across multiple sectors remains the ultimate entrepreneurial curriculum,” Ezemonye said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of the Sir (Dr.) David Osunde Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition (CESA), Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Josiah, highlighted that the university’s entrepreneurship complex comprises 13 schools currently training 300-level students in entrepreneurial theory and practice across various disciplines.
She stated that the programme aims to equip students with the mindset and skills necessary to identify opportunities, tackle unemployment, and drive innovation.
“Igbinedion University continues to serve as an entrepreneurial incubator for students, nurturing their creativity and preparing them to compete in the global economy,” Dr. Josiah said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and EdoJobs for their continuous support.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Corporate Affairs Commission in Youth Entrepreneurial Development,” Head of the CAC, Edo State Office, Clifford Imohimi, represented by the Senior Manager, Human Resources, Paul Ageewua, explained that the Commission plays a vital role in administering the Companies and Allied Matters Act, which includes the registration, regulation, and supervision of companies, business names, and incorporated trustees.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), Hon. Kelly Kerimu Shehu, represented by Mutairu Muhammed Muftahu, Manager, Usen Job Centre, commended Igbinedion University for its collaboration and sustained dedication to youth empowerment.
“Your partnership continues to make a lasting impact across the state,” he said, urging participants to seize the opportunity to learn, innovate, and become productive ambassadors who will drive economic transformation in Edo State and beyond.
