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The Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (IFEDS), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, is set to host a major international conference aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic development.
The three-day conference, scheduled for November 24 to 26, 2026, will bring together academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to explore how universities can drive enterprise development, job creation and economic growth.
With the theme, “The Entrepreneurial University: Driving Innovation, Policy, and Enterprise for Sustainable Global Development,” the conference will focus on strategies for translating academic research and knowledge into practical business opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, will serve as Chief Host, while the Director of IFEDS, Prof. Mrs C.A.O. Akinbami, will be the Host.
The Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of OPay Nigeria, Mr Dotun Daniel Adekunle, will deliver the keynote address.
Other speakers include the Chief Executive Officer of MicCom Cables & Wire Ltd, Dr Olubukola Adubi, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmacy Limited, Pharm. Taofik Oladipupo Odukoya.
IFEDS, a specialised institute of the university, is committed to promoting entrepreneurship education, research, innovation and capacity building.
The institute seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical enterprise by equipping individuals with the skills to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to national development.
Participants are expected to benefit from knowledge sharing, professional networking, business opportunities, policy insights and exposure to emerging trends in entrepreneurship, technology and enterprise development.
The organisers said the conference would adopt a hybrid format to accommodate both physical and virtual participants.
In a statement, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Temitope Jiboye, said the conference was designed to strengthen the role of universities in promoting innovation, enterprise and economic transformation.
The organisers urged academics, students, entrepreneurs, corporate organisations, policymakers, investors and development partners to participate in the conference.
