The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, has encouraged newly admitted students to cultivate adaptability and commitment to lifelong learning as they prepare to navigate an ever-changing world.

Addressing participants at the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme organised for new students, Ogunsola urged them to embrace the challenge of acquiring new skills to remain relevant in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

“Whether you dream of launching a tech start-up or building a small business, this programme will provide you with the support and guidance you need,” she “Whether you dream of launching a tech start-up or building a small business, this programme will provide you with the support and guidance you need,” she said.

The EIBIC programme, a five-day initiative organised by the university’s Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre (ESDC), provided students with an opportunity to engage with speakers and industry leaders, a highly anticipated feature of the institution’s entrepreneurship development agenda.

The vice-chancellor drew attention to Nigeria’s vast youth population, observing that nearly two million are currently enrolled in tertiary institutions.

Many of these graduates, she noted, may face limited employment opportunities upon graduation.

In light of this reality, she maintained that entrepreneurship and job creation must increasingly become viable pathways for young people.

“The prevailing socio-economic landscape leaves little room for individuals who are unwilling to adapt, innovate or contribute meaningfully to societal transformation,” she said.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi, harped on the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s growing unemployment challenge.

According to him, “one of the country’s most pressing concerns is the rising number of unemployed graduates despite the steady output of tertiary institutions.”

He noted that stakeholders have repeatedly expressed concern about the widening gap between the number of graduates produced each year and the available employment opportunities.

The Director of the ESDC, Prof. Sunday Adebisi, stressed the importance of entrepreneurship education in a country with a rapidly growing youth population.

“Nigeria is a nation with enormous potential for innovation and start-up growth, driven by its vibrant culture, creative talent and expanding digital economy,” he said.

However, he pointed out that while universities continue to produce highly skilled graduates, a noticeable gap still exists between academic education and the practical competencies required to successfully build and sustain a business venture.

He added that the programme’s long-term goal is to ensure that students can establish functional enterprises even before leaving the university.

Adebisi noted that if thousands of students can create businesses before graduating, it could significantly reduce unemployment in the country.

“You can imagine if you can get 5,000 of them to create the businesses they will run before leaving school. You have already solved the unemployment crisis.

“Every student of the University of Lagos should acquire the knowledge and ability to start an enterprise before graduating,” Adebisi added.

The event provided students with the opportunity to interact directly with accomplished entrepreneurs, professionals and alumni from diverse industries, as sessions explored practical themes such as market research, business planning and design, financial management and digital marketing.

One of the speakers, Adewale Oladipo, an entrepreneur and alumnus of the university, shared his experiences and insights on building a successful business in Nigeria, inspiring students to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Another speaker, Fatima Ali, a digital marketing expert, offered practical tips for leveraging digital marketing to grow a business and reach a wider audience.