The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has commended the 3rd Graduates of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship & General Studies on the award of Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education for choosing to be job creators instead of job seekers.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana at the ceremony, held at the university's conference centre in Abuja, encouraged them to turn their challenges into opportunities.
He implored them to remember that the certificate is only a first step. " Let your certificate not be an end but the beginning of your success in Entrepreneurship skills."
In his speech, the Guest Lecturer , Asaajukorede Boaz Adeotunoluwa, whose lecture theme was: "The Need for a National Human Resource Blueprint: The University System as a Catalyst for National Development Innovations and Civilization Change Agents," explained that the narrative and perception on colonial slave trade should change.
He said originally, Europeans intentions for Africa lacked conquest plans, but overtime evolved into a systematic human resource exploitation due to weak negotiations by the then Africa leaders.
“Hence, slave trade was reframed as human resource extraction and this was the beginning of the war. This war has taken different shades and sadly still ongoing,” he said.
Adeotunoluwa said there is an urgent need to come to terms with the reality of the fact that the Nigeria economy is at war.
The speaker explained that there's an ongoing intentional brain drain from the Nigeria economy, which is now being referred to as modern day slavery.
The guest lecturer suggested a way forward, saying that universities have replaced governments as actual negotiators determining human resources quality and destination.
The lecturer explained that“University systems enable unified workforce development through coordinated strategic planning and blueprint.”
He posited that “our entrepreneurship studies in our universities should be based on our immediate environment not what is obtained in the Western world.”
In his goodwill message, the Director-General, Chartered Institute of Mentoring and Coaching Nigeria, Dr. Rotimi Mathew, told the graduating students that the ceremony was a launchpad into purpose, innovations, and relevance.
“You have been equipped with knowledge, skills, and exposure that position you as builders of industries, creators of opportunities and problem solvers for our society," he said.
He explained that entrepreneurship thrives not on chance, but on strategic planning, innovations, and continuous professional development.
“As you step into the real world, remember that the sustainability of any enterprise rests on the clarity of vision, sound strategy, and the discipline to follow through.
“You must cultivate the mindset of lifelong learners, staying updated with global trends and sharpening your capacity to compete in a rapidly-changing environment,” Mathew said.
Among the over hundred graduates were some Professors and doctors, as the overall best participant was awarded to Prof. Helen Ochuko Kwanashie, while most engaged participant was awarded to Lamina Rafiu Olufemi.
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