Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Urna vitae cursus faucibus suspendisse lacus sed. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Urna vitae cursus faucibus suspendisse lacus sed. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Urna vitae cursus faucibus suspendisse lacus sed. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Urna vitae cursus faucibus suspendisse lacus sed. Academics charge youths on digital innovation, entrepreneurship Academics charge youths on digital innovation, entrepreneurship Experts and university administrators have urged Nigerian students to embrace entrepreneurship, digital literacy and employability skills as antidotes to rising unemployment and the rapidly changing world of work. The Vice Chancellor-designate of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan [KDU-I], Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji; a scholar at the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Dr. Jonathan Ikeolumba and a former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Ekanola, made the call at the Inaugural Career Fair 2026, organised by the university to equip final-year students with practical knowledge, industry exposure and entrepreneurial insights ahead of graduation. Speaking on the title: ’’Entrepreneurial Skills and Enterprise’’, Ikeolumba said Nigeria’s unemployment challenge required a shift in mindset from job seeking to job creation. The Fellow Chartered Accountant [FCA] said the labour market could not absorb the rising number of graduates, stressing that entrepreneurship remains the most viable solution to the country’s employment crisis. “The jobs are simply not there. We have the capacity to produce about 50 million employable people, but we do not have the capacity to create jobs for all of them,” he said. Ikeolumba urged students to start small, leverage technology and embrace innovation, noting that digital tools such as artificial intelligence have significantly reduced barriers to starting businesses. The lecturer explained that entrepreneurship thrives on problem-solving, stating that every challenge presents an opportunity for innovation and enterprise. “Every problem you see is an opportunity to create a business. You can start with your phone. Technology has made it easier than ever to build solutions and create value,” he said. He also urged students to develop resilience, warning that failure is often part of the journey to success in entrepreneurship. “No successful businessman has not failed. You must learn to take risks and build a resilient mindset,” he added. The guest lecturer emphasised the importance of financial discipline, business planning and continuous self-development, urging students to avoid impulsive spending and embrace structured financial management. He also highlighted marketing and communication skills as essential life tools, noting that individuals constantly “sell themselves” in different aspects of life. Related NewsYouths issue governors 7-day ultimatum to equip primary health care centres Speaking on Employability Skills, former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Ekanola, described employability as a blend of knowledge, skills, attitudes and attributes required to function effectively in any role. The professor noted that technological advancement is reshaping the global workplace, creating new opportunities while making some traditional jobs obsolete. “In the 21st century, students must acquire digital, technical and soft skills. Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and emotional intelligence often determine employability outcomes,” he said. Ekanola urged students to embrace continuous learning, including reskilling and upskilling, to remain relevant in a technology-driven world. He warned that failure to adapt to technological changes could lead to redundancy in the modern labour market. The Vice Chancellor-designate of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan [KDU-I], Morenikeji, said the initiative was designed to expose students to industry experts and prepare the students for life beyond the university system. The professor noted that the programme was deliberately tailored for final-year students to help them transition from academic learning to real-world practice. “We bring experts to interface with our final-year students to gear them up in entrepreneurship. It is an impactful programme designed to prepare them for what lies ahead after graduation,” she said. Earlier, the President of the Directorate for Admission and Alumni Relations of the university, Mrs. Olasumbo Obaseki, said the programme was aimed at preparing students for life after graduation by exposing them to industry realities and professional expectations. The event was attended by key university officials including the Registrar, Mr Haruna Adetu; Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof. Ademola Adesina; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, Prof. Sekinat Kola-Aderoju; Postgraduate Dean, Prof. Titilayo Ojo; Dean of Law, Prof. Olusoga Olopade; and others. Industry partners and participating organisations included Chapel Hill Denham, Leadway Assurance, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Idea Consult Ltd, IITA, Abbey Bank, Stanbic IBTC, FCMB, and Evans Ltd. Others are New Horizon, Skot Communications, Higherlife Properties Consult Ltd, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Mobile Screens and Sound Ltd, Innovation Microfinance Bank and Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation. Tags: Rutam House, Plot 103/109, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Isolo, P.M.B 1217 Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria.
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