FUTA Alumnus Yele Oladunni Urges Postgraduate Students to Embrace Entrepreneurship for National Growth

At the 5th Public Lecture Series of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), alumnus and CEO of Folay West Africa Ltd, Mr. Yele Oladunni, emphasised the critical role of entrepreneurship and self-reliance in driving national growth and community empowerment in Nigeria.

Delivering a lecture titled “Entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance: Pathway to National Growth and Community Empowerment in Nigeria”, Oladunni highlighted that economic transformation cannot rely solely on natural resources, government intervention, or foreign assistance. He argued that Nigeria’s future depends on entrepreneurs who turn local challenges into profitable opportunities. “For a community to be self-reliant, there must be a communal entrepreneurial spirit. We must shift from a consumption economy to a production economy by consuming local goods,” he stated.

Oladunni further stressed that Nigerians must cultivate a mindset of self-reliance, productivity, and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously encouraging government policies that support local production. He added, “We must come together to ingeniously create solutions and put pressure on government to ensure that we produce what we buy and buy what we produce.” He acknowledged the challenges of entrepreneurship in Nigeria but affirmed that a strong entrepreneurial spirit can overcome barriers and create opportunities, offering freedom, efficiency, and the ability to assume calculated risks.

In her remarks, FUTA Vice-Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Professor Sunday Oluyamo, praised Oladunni as an exemplary alumnus whose entrepreneurial achievements have elevated the University’s reputation. She encouraged postgraduate students to apply the insights gained from the lecture and called on all alumni to contribute meaningfully to the institution. “The university is ours. Nobody can build it for us. We must lead the way for others to follow,” she stated.

Earlier, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Oluayo Bello-Olusoji, described the lecture series as a key intellectual investment in research, innovation, leadership, and national development. He highlighted the importance of viewing postgraduate education not merely as a path to a degree, but as preparation for future roles as employers, innovators, and nation-builders.

The event concluded with awards for outstanding students and supervisors, recognising academic excellence and research contributions. Among the awardees were Olajiga Bamidele (PhD, SIMME), Adediran Micheal (M.Eng, SIMME), Yusuf Abdulfatah (PhD, SAAT), Ayo Opeoluwa (M.Tech, SAAT), Akinade Nurudeen (PhD, SPS), Oussou Ensgno Francis (PHF, SEMS), and Ovueni Joseph (PHF, SLS). Distinguished supervisors recognised included Professors O. Olukunle, K. Alaneme, J. Afolabi, Eunice Adeparusi, Ishaq Amoo, Yinusa Asiwaju-Bello, and D. Adegunloye.