OOU Inaugurates N350m Entrepreneurship Centre as Minister Calls for Job Creators

The Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Alausa, has urged higher institutions across Nigeria to prioritize entrepreneurship in their curricula, emphasizing the need to produce graduates who can create jobs rather than merely seeking them.

Speaking at the inauguration of the N350 million Olufemi Okenla Entrepreneurship Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Dr. Alausa, represented by Mr. Tolani Sule, highlighted the persistent challenge of unemployment despite Nigeria’s large and talented youth population.

He praised Olufemi Okenla, a member of OOU’s first law graduating class, for his significant contribution to the university. Alausa stated, “Today’s event is not just about the opening of a facility; it is about the opening of minds—a gateway to new thinking, new ventures, and new opportunities. The generosity and foresight of the Olufemi Okenla Foundation (O.O.F.) in establishing this centre exemplifies the type of partnership we must continue to nurture—where private commitment meets public aspiration for the greater good.”

Alausa emphasized, “We can no longer afford to produce graduates who seek jobs alone—we must now produce job creators, innovators, and problem solvers. Entrepreneurship is the bridge between knowledge and national prosperity. Our tertiary institutions must become incubators of creativity, industry, and sustainable enterprise.”

The Vice Chancellor of OOU, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, commended Okenla’s support and called on other alumni to contribute to the university’s mission. Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, Chairman of the Governing Council, described the centre as a significant step toward producing globally competitive graduates.

Okenla, reflecting on his journey, shared his early entrepreneurial activities and stressed the importance of seizing opportunities beyond academic achievements. He revealed that the centre’s foundation was laid in 2023 and announced further financial commitments, including N50 million for equipment, N100 million for operations, and N20 million in seed funding for new businesses. He also pledged to sponsor 20 students for training.

Prof. Olusegun Sogbesan, keynote speaker and Director General of Onitsha Business School, advocated for mandatory entrepreneurial education in all tertiary institutions.

The event concluded with the official commissioning of the centre by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, attended by prominent dignitaries, symbolizing a new era for entrepreneurship at OOU.