By Esther Onyegbula

More than 13,000 fresh students of University of Lagos have been encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise development as critical pathways to shaping their future careers.

The charge was given during the recently concluded five-day Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Certification (EIBIC) Programme organised by the university, which brought together thousands of students, business leaders and industry stakeholders for intensive sessions on enterprise development.

A major highlight of the programme was the keynote address and fireside engagements led by Yemi Edun, Managing Director of Daniel Ford International, who spoke to the participating students on the theme, “Creativity, Innovation and the Desire to Own an Enterprise.”

Addressing the students at the university auditorium, Edun urged them to cultivate discipline, integrity and strong skills development as the foundation for entrepreneurial success.

According to him, the habits students build during their university years will determine their capacity to create sustainable businesses and compete globally.

He said: “Entrepreneurship begins with mindset. The discipline you build now, the skills you develop and the values you uphold will determine whether you can transform ideas into viable enterprises in the future.”

Throughout the week-long programme, students participated in lectures, panel discussions and fireside conversations centred on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and enterprise creation.
Speakers and facilitators at the event challenged participants to look beyond traditional career paths and begin developing the mindset required to build and lead businesses capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth.

In recognition of its contributions to youth empowerment and entrepreneurial development, Daniel Ford International was presented with the Champions Award by the management of University of Lagos for its support towards nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders through the EIBIC initiative.
Other distinguished awardees at the programme included Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, alongside leading organisations such as Sahara Group, Marcator Technologies, Access Bank Plc and Workforce Group.

Special recognition was also given to Olugbesoye Olujimi, who received honours both in her personal capacity and on behalf of Emadeb Energy Services Limited.

The EIBIC programme has continued to grow in scope and participation, equipping thousands of students with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to transform ideas into viable enterprises.

With participation from over 13,000 students this year, the initiative further reinforces the commitment of University of Lagos to producing graduates who are not only job seekers but job creators.