IBBU Lapai Partners with NAFDAC, SMEDAN, and CAC to Equip 300-Level Students for Entrepreneurial Success

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, has organised a one-day practical workshop for 300-level students aimed at equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and exposing them to critical government agencies that support business development in Nigeria. 

The workshop provided participants with valuable insights into opportunities available through agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Bank of Industry (BOI), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of IBBUL, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, who was represented by the Director, Academic Planning, Professor Mohammed Kabir Adamu, described the workshop as a strategic initiative by the University to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. 

He noted that the programme underscores the Institution’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks required to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.

Professor Adamu emphasised that as 300-level students nearing graduation, participants must begin to position themselves for the realities ahead, where success is determined not just by academic certificates but by the ability to innovate, solve problems, and create value. He explained that the workshop was deliberately designed to connect students with relevant institutions that provide support in areas such as business registration, funding, regulation, and enterprise development.

He urged the students to take full advantage of the opportunity by actively engaging with facilitators, asking questions, and building meaningful networks that could shape their entrepreneurial journey. 

According to him, the University remains committed to strengthening partnerships with industry players and government agencies to continuously create platforms that empower students to become job creators rather than job seekers.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, Professor Idris Ndagi, described the workshop as a timely initiative designed to prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond the university. 

He explained that the programme was carefully structured to equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on skills in business development, innovation, and job creation strategies. 

According to him, in today’s rapidly evolving economic environment, possessing a university degree alone is no longer enough; what distinguishes graduates is their ability to think creatively, identify opportunities, and transform ideas into viable enterprises.

Professor Ndagi further noted that the Centre previously operated under the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS), which enabled extensive practical training within the facility using available equipment and resources. 

However, with the introduction of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) by the National Universities Commission, there has been a strategic shift in approach. 

He explained that the Centre has now adopted structured workshops such as this to deliver more focused, impactful, and time-efficient practical training. He urged students to take the programme seriously, actively engage, ask questions, and share ideas, stressing that the knowledge and exposure gained could significantly shape their career paths as entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to nurturing students’ entrepreneurial potential and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and national development.

In their separate presentations, the Director-General of SMEDAN, the Managing Director of NSDC, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the representative of the Director-General of NAFDAC, and the Deputy Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI) collectively emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence and national development. 

They highlighted that students must develop the right mindset, intellectual capacity, and practical skills, noting that the era of relying solely on white-collar jobs is gradually fading. 

According to them, students must begin to think creatively and position themselves to create value and opportunities for themselves even before graduation.

The speakers stressed that the government’s primary role is to provide an enabling environment, while individuals must take responsibility for leveraging available opportunities. They underscored that entrepreneurship remains the backbone of economic growth globally, pointing out that even developed nations have achieved progress through strong entrepreneurial systems. They therefore encouraged the university to sustain and expand such initiatives, ensuring that students acquire hands-on skills and practical experience that can translate into viable business ventures.

On business registration and formalisation, representatives of the Corporate Affairs Commission explained that students can easily register their businesses either through accredited agents or independently via the Commission’s online platform at a relatively affordable cost. They advised that operating a registered business is crucial for legality, credibility, and access to opportunities. They also outlined various categories of business registration, including business names, limited liability companies, partnerships, and incorporated trustees, while noting existing collaborations with SMEDAN to support free business registration for eligible entrepreneurs.

The NAFDAC representative highlighted the agency’s role in supporting startups, particularly those in production, stating that micro-scale businesses, including student ventures, benefit from significantly reduced registration tariffs. She explained that the agency has streamlined its processes to make product registration more accessible, with offices nationwide and online platforms available to guide applicants through the process.

The representatives reiterated the availability of numerous programmes and support systems for emerging entrepreneurs, including funding opportunities, capacity-building initiatives, and mentorship platforms. They encouraged students to take advantage of these programmes, remain committed, and continuously build their skills to remain competitive.

No fewer than 13 students directly benefited from the workshop, with eight participants receiving token rewards courtesy of BOI in recognition of their active engagement and contributions during the sessions. In addition, three students had their business names successfully registered free of charge, providing them with an immediate platform to begin formal entrepreneurial activities.

The impact of the workshop was evident in the renewed mindset of the participants, as many expressed strong interest in leveraging the numerous opportunities presented by the various government agencies. The initiative not only inspired confidence among the students but also ignited a proactive drive to explore entrepreneurship as a viable and sustainable career path.

In his closing remarks, the University Registrar, Alhaji Idris Sale Kusherki, was represented by the Establishment Secretary, Mr. Sunday Gana, described the workshop as a rare and valuable opportunity for students to acquire practical entrepreneurial knowledge that many people pay significantly to access. 

He noted that bringing together resource persons from key agencies provided students with direct engagement and guidance that would ordinarily require navigating complex protocols. He commended the university management and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development for creating such a platform, encouraging stu