Stop producing job seekers, train students on entrepreneurship –Don, Prof. Okonkwo to Universities
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readProfessor Obiora Okonkwo has challenged Nigerian universities to overhaul their curricula by prioritizing entrepreneurship and practical skills. He argues that the current system must move beyond certificate issuance to foster self-reliance and job creation among graduates.
Context & Background
- ✦The Nigerian higher education system is currently criticized for producing graduates who rely exclusively on paid employment rather than creating their own opportunities.
- ✦Integrating entrepreneurship into all departments is proposed as a strategy to ensure graduates contribute meaningfully to national development and economic self-sufficiency.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Professor of Entrepreneurship Studies, who advocates for entrepreneurship as a core academic requirement.•Veritas University, Abuja, which hosted the 15th convocation ceremony where the call for curriculum reform was made.
Outlook & Next Steps
Prof. Okonkwo noted that his previous lecture on this topic has been adopted as a policy document, with a committee established to study recommendations for implementation across universities.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Professor Obiora Okonkwo urges Nigerian universities to integrate entrepreneurship as a core subject across all disciplines, including medicine, law, and engineering.
- The focus of higher education must shift from producing certificate holders to equipping graduates with practical skills to become job creators rather than job seekers.
- Stronger collaboration between universities and industries through internship programs is essential to bridge the gap between academic theory and workplace demands.
Key Facts:15th convocation ceremony: Professor Obiora Okonkwo delivered his call for entrepreneurship education during the 15th convocation ceremony of Veritas University, Abuja.
Editorial Excerpt
Professor of Entrepreneurship Studies, Obiora Okonkwo, has challenged Nigerian universities to prioritise entrepreneurship and practical skills development, saying graduates must be prepared to create jobs rather than depend solely on paid employment.Okonkwo, who made the call at the 15th...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why does Prof. Okonkwo believe entrepreneurship should be a core subject for all students?
He argues that students in fields like medicine and law need entrepreneurial knowledge to establish private practices and understand the business aspects of their professions.
What role does Prof. Okonkwo suggest for university researchers?
He urges researchers to consider the commercial viability of their innovations to help universities transform discoveries into practical, investor-ready solutions.
