By Rotimi Famakin

Addressing the gaps between theory and contemporary entrepreneurship, the need for curriculum review and ways of becoming exceptional entrepreneurs in Nigeria took centre stage at a three-day entrepreneurship capacity strengthening in Ibadan.

The three-day workshop organized by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Ibadan is currently ongoing at the Subomi Hall, University of Ibadan.

In his presentation entitled: “Contemporary Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practical”, a lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Ondo State, Dr Dayo Oladebeye said there is the need for captains of industries to consider the theoretical aspect of their field so as to meet the demands of the contemporary economy.

While identifying innovation and technology, socio-economic and digital knowledge and skill development as key elements in contemporary entrepreneurship, Dr Oladebeye said entrepreneurship in Nigeria has a number of challenges.

Some of the challenges according to him include limited access to finance, poor infrastructure, high cost of doing business, limited access to the market, lack of skilled labour, insecurity and lack of supportive policies.

Dr Oladebeye, who is also a former Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti suggested designing an education curriculum, industry partnerships, establishing an Entrepreneurship and incubator centre, and encouraging learning and professional development as ways of overcoming the challenges.

In her paper entitled: “Oiling the Wheel of Entrepreneurship for National Competitiveness through Knowledge-based and Digital-driven Economy”, the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Professor Oyedunni Arulogun said entrepreneurship education plays a multifaceted and transformative role as it contributes to economic growth.

Professor Arulogun who said Nigeria is currently knowledge and information overload, however, feared the menace of inaccurate data, and loss of social, and professionalism.

Professor Arulogun who suggested feedback from stakeholders in the education sector, policy advocacy and institutional support, emphasized the need for mentorship, building a network of partnerships with the alumni body, and self-development to remain relevant and holistic development of students for a better future.

At an interactive session, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abdul Waheed Soliu said every individual can become an entrepreneur thanks to the growing technology.

He said the mindset of current students should change towards patriotism.

Professor Soliu noted that the state government had equipped the state university with requisite facilities aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and skill development of students.

The workshop also provided an avenue for representatives of tertiary institutions that incorporate entrepreneurship and Innovation into their curriculum to narrate experiences and raise observations and questions on critical issues affecting entrepreneurship drive in their various schools.

Our correspondent reports apart from deliberations on poor policy implementation by the government, the growing unemployment occasioned by unskilled graduates, gender-based violence, travelling abroad syndrome and attitudinal change were some of the salient issues discussed at the workshop.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group