By Anayo Okoli

ENUGU — Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Nsukka, are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at promoting academic excellence, professional relevance, and entrepreneurship.

The move was the focus of discussions during a recent visit by ICAN President, Haruna Nma Yahaya, who led a high-powered delegation to the university.

Yahaya, accompanied by council members, the Registrar, and other officials, visited the institution as part of activities marking the 20th Eastern Zonal Accountants’ Conference held at University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

Receiving the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of Maduka University, Charles Ogbulogo, described the visit as timely and significant, noting that the university is “on a journey of discovery with a clear focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and national development.”

Speaking on the theme, “Entrenching Industrial Training at Maduka University,” Ogbulogo emphasized the institution’s commitment to hands-on learning. He said the university prioritises practical exposure to prepare students for real-world challenges, alongside the development of both technical and soft skills across diverse fields, including publishing, medicine, petroleum, and mechanical industries.

He further highlighted the university’s four cardinal pillars: academic excellence, estate development, a teaching hospital, and industrial entrepreneurship.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the vision of the Founder and Chancellor, Samuel Maduka Onyishi, to positively impact society through education, agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

Ogbulogo stressed the importance of partnering with ICAN and assured the Institute of the university’s readiness for meaningful collaboration. He also underscored the need to promote ICAN-related activities on campus to foster creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial capacity among students.

He acknowledged ICAN’s contributions to governance, accountability, and national development, pledging the university’s support in encouraging staff and students to actively participate in ICAN programmes.

In his remarks, Yahaya commended the university’s rapid development, noting that its achievements in infrastructure, learning environment, and institutional integrity within less than three years demonstrate purposeful leadership.

“Maduka University stands as a compelling reminder that impact is not a function of age, but of purpose,” he said, adding that “wealth finds its true meaning when invested in people.”

He outlined potential areas of collaboration, including curriculum development aligned with global standards, integration of emerging fields such as digital finance, sustainability reporting, and forensic accounting, as well as structured mentorship and industry exposure for students.