The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UofA), Prof. Adulrasheed Na’Allah, on Wednesday virtually inaugurated members of the Board of Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies of the institution.
The inauguration was to strengthen the synergy between industry players and academia. The newly inaugurated Board members who are stakeholders in the private sector are; the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief John Udeagbala, the 1st National President NACCIMA, Otunba Dele Oye, immediate past President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, and the MD Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority( NEPZA) and 2nd Deputy President ACCI, Prof Adesoji Adesugba.
Other members are ACCI Council members Dr. I B Gashinbaki and Amina Akai, the Director General ACCI, Victoria Akai, Wycliffe Head, UNIDO ITPO, Ms Abimbola Olufore and Chuka Odum
Prof Na’Allah in his remarks appreciated all board members for accepting the responsibility and looked forward to the members mentoring the students and sharing their experiences in the industry with the prospective entrepreneurs.
Responding on behalf of the National President of NACCIMA, Otunba Dele Oye, congratulated the UofA and the VC for taking the initiative and making the institution stand as a leading example to other higher institutions on the importance of linking academia with the industry for sustainability and reduction of dependency on government funds.
The immediate past President of ACCI, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, in his acceptance remarks lauded the initiative of the University while assuring them of his cooperation to ensure things are done effectively.
Prof Adesugba also added that it is important to showcase what is happening between the industry and educational institutions as it is good for the University, private sector and research development.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Clement Alawa, thanked all the newly inaugurated members of the Board while looking forward to their contributions towards the development of entrepreneurship in the University.
