In the era of rising inflation, currency instability, job insecurity, insurgency, political logjams and widening inequality, economies across the globe, particularly in Nigeria and global spectrum contending with a new reality of instability is no longer casual, but systemic.

Nonetheless academics, economists, policy analysts, and development experts claim that even within uncertainty lies significant economic potential if governments, organizations, businesses, and people adopt prudent/smarter survival strategies, sustainable practices, and vibrant analysis of power and policy trust.

This was the view of Caleb University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia at Crawford University, College of Business and Social Sciences Conference; with the theme, “Navigating and Unlocking the Economic Potential in an Unstable Economy: A Framework for Survival, Sustainability, and Scrutiny.”

Asikhia citing Wang & Jia, “We observe firms succumbing to the relentless pressures of geopolitical strife, supply chain ruptures, and volatile financial markets, volatility itself becomes a catalyst for digital transformation and innovation.

As survival matrix in an unstable economic landscape, individuals, households, small, medium businesses and conglomerates economic survival has become a daily challenge. The escalating costs of living, energy unpredictability, and fluctuating exchange rates have forced individuals to rethink consumption, savings, and income generation sources.

Experts and academics point to diversification of income streams, acquisition of relevant hard and soft skills, innovativeness, creativity and investments as a critical survival mechanism at this time.

Crawford University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Makinde expressed gratitude to the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Asikhia for honouring the invitation to the Learned International Conference; while the participants were commended for active participation.

Consequently a call was made to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) described as the backbone of emerging economies; adaptation by leveraging digital tools, reducing operational overheads, and creating business opportunities i.e. products and services niches; while building customers networks for distribution of goods and services delivery.

The participants mostly lecturers, undergraduates and postgraduate students and well-wishers were glued to their seats with rapt attention based on the academic, professional and business expositions that accompanied the conference.