COOU CEI Hosts YOUWIN Sensitisation Lecture to Boost Student Entrepreneurship Drive

The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, hosted a YOUWIN sensitisation lecture for students and staff at the ETF Auditorium, Igbariam Campus, as part of efforts to strengthen entrepreneurial culture and expose participants to federal business development opportunities.

The programme commenced with registration and accreditation of participants, followed by the official opening session anchored by Dr. Emeka Arinze. The opening prayer was led by Dr. Uche Ezeokafor, after which the National, State, and COOU Anthems were rendered.

In his introductory address, the Director of the Centre and Representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. K. K. Nwozor, said the sensitisation lecture was designed to provide students with deeper insight into entrepreneurship and demonstrate the evolving vision of the Centre under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr. He noted that the initiative aligns with the university’s mandate to produce graduates equipped with practical skills, business culture, and industry-focused mindsets.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Miss Joy Onyekachi, a representative of the YOUWIN initiative from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja. She described YOUWIN as a multimedia educational platform aimed at promoting entrepreneurship through awareness creation, capacity building, and business development support. According to her, the programme equips participants with the knowledge required to start, structure, and grow sustainable businesses in Nigeria.

She also gave an in-depth explanation of business plans, describing them as essential documents that define a business’s purpose, objectives, operational strategies, and financial projections. Miss Onyekachi expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, the university community, and the Federal Government for supporting youth-driven empowerment initiatives.

As part of the sensitisation exercise, free entrepreneurship textbooks were distributed to participating students under the supervision of Miss Onyekachi and members of the CEI. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the materials as timely and valuable for their personal and academic development.

Dignitaries at the event included Prof. K. K. Nwozor, Director, CEI; Miss Joy Onyekachi, YOUWIN Representative, Federal Ministry of Finance; Prof. Onyechi Uzoka, Former Director, CEI; the Deputy Director of CEI represented by Dr. Obinna Solomon Eboh; Dr. Uche Ezeokafor of the Department of Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Chinwe Obananya, Head of Acquisition Skills, alongside other academic staff and invited guests.

The ETF Auditorium recorded an impressive turnout of students from various faculties, reflecting growing interest in entrepreneurship and federal empowerment initiatives. Closing remarks and prayers were delivered by Dr. Lawrence Okoye Uchenna, after which a group photograph was taken to mark the successful conclusion of the event.