The University of Ibadan (UI) has trained student leaders and entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship, innovation and business planning as part of efforts to promote enterprise development and prepare graduates for the demands of the digital economy.
The one-day Train-the-Trainer Workshop, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), was organised by the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) and attracted executive members of the Students’ Union, Students’ Representative Council (SRC), faculty presidents, departmental and hall chairpersons, as well as student entrepreneurs and innovators.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Juwon Arotiba, said universities must go beyond classroom instruction by equipping students with the capacity to identify problems, design solutions and create value.
Arotiba, who spoke on the theme, “Start-up Entrepreneurship and Business Planning,” said the future of education lies in producing graduates capable of creating jobs and driving innovation rather than merely seeking employment.
He noted that entrepreneurship had become a cornerstone of sustainable development in an era characterised by rapid technological advancement and global interconnectedness.
“The future of education must transcend the classroom. It must equip learners with the capacity to identify problems, design solutions and create value,” he said.
According to him, the university is committed to ensuring that its graduates become creators of technology-driven enterprises capable of competing globally while addressing local challenges.
He added that opportunities in sectors such as financial technology, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation and the creative industry continue to expand, urging participants to embrace creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Arotiba said the train-the-trainer model was designed to create a multiplier effect by empowering participants to transfer entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to their colleagues across faculties, departments and halls of residence.
He also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application through entrepreneurship, research and innovation.
The Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Prof. Sherifat Aboaba, said the workshop was designed to prepare student leaders to serve as peer educators, mentors and ambassadors of entrepreneurship within the university community.
She said participants received practical training in entrepreneurship fundamentals, opportunity identification, creativity and innovation, business model development, business planning, financial literacy, marketing strategies, access to funding opportunities and effective facilitation techniques.
According to Aboaba, the initiative forms part of the university’s broader strategy to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture where innovation thrives and students are equipped with practical skills for self-reliance and national development.
Facilitators at the workshop included the Chief Executive Officer of Soupah Limited, Ifeoluwa Olatayo; Managing Director of Prudencia Resources Limited, Abayomi Ogunsanya; the Dean of Students, Prof. Ademola Lewis; and entrepreneurship educator, Mrs. Olubukola Yomi-Akinola.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof. Simisola Akintola; Digital Finance Data Specialist at the Sanofi Innovation Hub, Budapest, Dr. Ibrahim Hammed; and the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, Temidayo Adeboye.
