UNIMED urges students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship for national development

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, has reiterated its commitment to equipping students with entrepreneurial and innovative skills needed to address societal challenges and create sustainable opportunities, leveraging support from a British Council partnership grant.

This formed the focus of the institution’s second annual entrepreneurship and innovation advancement lecture organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation (CEDI).

Speaking at the event, the Director of CEDI, Prof. Wahab Owolawi, said the lecture series was designed to inspire creativity, innovation and problem-solving among students.

He noted that entrepreneurship remains a vital tool for national development and disclosed that cash prizes had been earmarked for the top three winners of the accompanying innovation competition.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Patrick Osho, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe said academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient in today’s rapidly changing world.

“Universities must go beyond classroom teaching to equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills. Through CEDI and other experiential learning initiatives, we are empowering our students to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses, create employment opportunities, solve societal problems and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and national development,” he said.

Oyo State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Prof. Dauda Adelabu, represented by Prof. Obamuyi of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, who spoke on the theme of the seminar, “Entrepreneurship: the Ultimate Solution to Nigeria’s Unemployment,” urged students to see challenges as opportunities for enterprise, stressing that setbacks are often stepping stones to success.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Nigeria and entrepreneur, Dr. Femi Egbesola, challenged students to become producers rather than consumers.

“The world is not waiting to hand you opportunities; it rewards those who create solutions. Stop waiting for  jobs, create jobs. Stop waiting for wealth, create wealth through innovation, collaboration and problem-solving,” he said.