The University of Lagos (UNILAG) successfully held its Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme for all 100 and 200-level students of the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Jelili Omotola Multipurpose Hall, the programme was a strategic initiative designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and equip participants with the skills necessary to thrive as business owners or highly valued employees. Crucially, participation in EIBIC allows students to earn an additional certificate in Entrepreneurship upon graduation, significantly boosting their career prospects.
Empowering Students for a Business-Ready Future
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bolanle Olufunmilola Oboh, underscored the university’s commitment to providing skills beyond the classroom.
“The EIBIC programme is a strategic initiative aimed at equipping students with entrepreneurial skills in addition to their academic training, thereby enabling them to graduate with both a degree and a certificate in Entrepreneurship,” Prof. Oboh stated. She highlighted that UNILAG maintains several incubation centres dedicated to nurturing and supporting students in launching profitable businesses.
The Director of the Distance Learning Institute, Professor Risikat Oladoyin Dauda, further motivated the students, noting that the programme would expose them to diverse business ideas. She urged them to be focused and inquisitive, equipping themselves to become “valuable assets to the nation.”
Experts Stress Innovation and Practical Action
The event featured a compelling line-up of speakers who reinforced the importance of creativity, innovation, and practical business development:
- Prof. Risikat Oladoyin Dauda delivered a key lecture on “Leveraging Entrepreneurship Opportunities as Undergraduates: A Pathway to Success in the Digital Age.” She emphasized that “Opportunities don’t just happen; they are created,” encouraging students to view every problem as a chance to provide a solution and to harness technology and networking for growth.
- Mr. Yemi Edun, CEO of Daniel Ford International, UK, spoke on ‘Creativity, Innovation, and the Desire to Own Your Own Business.’ A Philosophy graduate himself, Mr. Edun shared his journey in real estate, stressing that creativity is a catalyst for entrepreneurial ideas, regardless of one’s academic discipline.
- Mrs. Tejumade Tejuosho from Sahara Group highlighted the ‘Potentials of Green Innovation and Energy Entrepreneurship,’ noting that innovation goes beyond academic achievements and is rooted in practical creativity.
- Mrs. Abiodun Olukitan, Head of SMA at Access Bank Plc, defined entrepreneurship through five key elements: innovation, initiation, responsibility, enhancement, and risk-taking. She stressed that innovation is the driving force for advancement.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the UNILAG Bursar, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Esther Adekunle; Deputy Dean of Student Affairs (DDSA I) representing the Dean of Student Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Jumoke Ogunleye, and Prof. Bolajoko Dickson Ogbeche (representing the Dean of the Postgraduate School), all of whom encouraged the DLI students to be persistent, innovative, and “think outside the box.”
The successful programme concluded with a panel discussion featuring the speakers, allowing participants to thoroughly address their questions and consolidate their learning.
Senior members of the university community like the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Mathew Ilori and the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs) UNILAG, Dr Abdulganiu Iyanda, were present at the event.
