Development
By Abiodun Lawal
The Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to innovation, value creation and sustainable national development.
Arulogun stated this at the university’s 2026 entrepreneurship exhibition, held in Abeokuta on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition had the theme: “Developing Innovative Solutions and Practical Skills for Nigeria’s Sustainable Economy”.
The vice chancellor described entrepreneurship as a mindset that drives value creation and problem-solving, stressing that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in the creativity and potential of its youthful population.
Arulogun said the university was equipping students with resilience and entrepreneurial skills to enable them contribute meaningfully to national development without seeking opportunities abroad.
She explained that entrepreneurship should not be confused with vocational training, explaining that its primary objective was to develop innovative thinkers capable of creating lasting value in society.
According to her, professional success depends on the value individuals provide rather than academic certificates or technical skills alone, as people patronise those who consistently meet their needs.
“Our greatest asset as a country is our young people. They possess enormous potential and talents that can be harnessed to drive sustainable development.
“When people talk about entrepreneurship, many mistake it for vocational training, but they are not the same thing. Entrepreneurship is about changing the way people think,” she said.
She disclosed that final-year students receive entrepreneurship training alongside their academic programmes, enabling many of them to graduate with certificates in both their disciplines and entrepreneurship.
Earlier, the Director of General Studies, Dr Lydia Chineyemba, said the exhibition reflected the university’s commitment to practical education by transforming classroom learning into products and services with real-life applications.
Chineyemba urged students to continue developing the skills acquired in areas including Adire production, agripreneurship, artificial intelligence and web application development while focusing on quality, innovation and professionalism.
Acting Coordinator, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development Studies, Dr Obaloluwa Oyewo, described entrepreneurship as the ability to identify opportunities and transform ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Oyewo encouraged students to refine their innovations, seek mentorship, apply for grants and explore investment opportunities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase