In a bold move to redefine higher education, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) is positioning itself as a launchpad for innovation, self-employment, and practical learning — a place where students are not just taught to seek jobs, but to create them.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition and Employability Training Programme, Vice-Chancellor Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye reaffirmed the university’s mission to blend classroom knowledge with real-world application.
“Our goal is to cultivate a generation of thinkers who transform ideas into solutions,” he declared. “Entrepreneurship is not merely about owning a business — it’s about curiosity, creativity, and the courage to act.”
The week-long training, held at the institution’s main campus in Okada, Edo State, brings together students, faculty, and industry experts to foster innovation-driven learning. Through interactive workshops and mentorship, participants are encouraged to develop business models, sharpen employability skills, and explore emerging market opportunities.
Professor Ezemonye emphasized that IUO’s educational philosophy aligns with both national development goals and global innovation standards, ensuring its graduates remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy. He credited the university’s founder and chancellor, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, for laying the foundation of an institution that embodies the spirit of enterprise.
“Chief Igbinedion’s life story reflects the resilience and determination we seek to instill in our students,” the Vice-Chancellor noted. “He is living proof that vision, discipline, and innovation can change lives and transform societies.”
At the Sir (Dr.) David Osunde Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, over 300-level students from 13 departments are undergoing intensive practical training. Director of the Centre, Dr. Mary Josiah, described the programme as a “living lab of innovation” designed to equip students with the competence to identify opportunities and address unemployment.
“Our students don’t just learn theory; they build, experiment, and apply,” she said. “This is how we turn potential into performance.”
The event also featured lectures from government and industry representatives. Mr. Clifford Imohimi, Edo State Head of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), represented by Mr. Paul Ageewua, outlined how business registration and regulatory frameworks support youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Similarly, Hon. Kelly Kerimu Shehu, Managing Director of EdoJobs, represented by Mr. Mutairu Muhammed Muftahu, applauded the university’s enduring partnership with state initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
“Igbinedion University has become a beacon of empowerment,” he said. “Its graduates are emerging as problem-solvers and wealth creators — the kind of leaders Nigeria needs.”
With initiatives like this, Igbinedion University continues to shape a future where education transcends theory — and where every student leaves not just with a degree, but with the confidence, creativity, and capacity to build something of their own.
