The House of Representatives has taken significant steps to address Nigeria’s shortage of skilled manpower with the recent passage of a bill proposing the establishment of an Entrepreneur University in the Ibile, Ikorodu area of Lagos.
The bill, sponsored by Babajimi Benson and Paul Kalejaiye, marks a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial education and tapping into the creative potential of the nation’s youth.
Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly Complex, Benson emphasized the potential economic benefits of the university. “When established, the university will enhance the economy of the nation, tackle unemployment, and create job providers for Nigeria,” he stated.
The proposed institution is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset required for successful entrepreneurship.
Benson further explained that the primary objective is to foster innovation, creativity, and business acumen among students.
He highlighted the necessity of specialized institutions that focus on practical and theoretical knowledge in entrepreneurship and business management.
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Kalejaiye added that conventional universities often fail to prepare graduates for the job market, stating, “Our conventional universities have turned out graduates some of who are not employable. We are in an era where nobody should leave the university and be looking for a white-collar job because they are no longer there.”
The House is set to hold a public hearing on the bill to gather input from stakeholders before it returns for a final reading.
The establishment of the Ibile Entrepreneur University is seen as a vital step toward developing a generation of skilled entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth and reduce unemployment in Nigeria.