KWASU and CRC Credit Bureau Partner to Bridge Gap Between Academia and Industry

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening student employability through strategic partnerships with industry. 

The Vice-Chancellor who was speaking during the University’s first collaborative lecture jointly organised by the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and the Centre for Advancement and Industrial Collaboration (CAIC), on Monday, April 27, 2026, said the lecture reflects KWASU’s resolve to bridge the gap between academia and industry through meaningful town and gown engagement.

Professor Jimoh noted that the collaborative lecture would expose members of the University Community and the public to the intricacies of credit worthiness and securing funding for businesses as well as a general outlook to entrepreneurship.

"Today’s lecture will have impact on us individually, and as a University. KWASU, as a university, is premised on sustainable environments, community development, and entrepreneurship. 

"Kwara State University is committed to go beyond teaching and research to become a catalyst for community and economic transformation", he stressed.

The Vice-Chancellor while highlighting the growing partnership between the University and CRC Credit Bureau Limited, described it as a platform for practical knowledge exchange and professional exposure for students.

He explained that the collaboration will provide opportunities for structured internships, industry mentoring, employability training, and joint research in areas such as finance, data science, and credit management, thereby preparing students to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Delivering the 1st Collaborative Lecture titled Finance, Entrepreneurship, and the Infrastructure of Trust, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Dr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola highlighted the critical role of access to credit and financial inclusion in driving economic growth and national development. 

He noted that Nigeria currently has one of the lowest rates of credit penetration globally, stressing that access to credit is closely linked to the prosperity of nations and the strength of their entrepreneurial ecosystems.

According to Dr. Popoola, countries with vibrant economies typically operate strong credit systems that allow citizens and businesses to access finance needed for innovation, business expansion, and job creation. He explained that for Nigeria to fully benefit from entrepreneurial activities and business formation, its citizens must have broader access to financing supported by strong financial services, robust financial infrastructure, and efficient socio-economic systems.

Dr. Popoola added that credit reporting systems play a vital role in expanding access to finance by providing credible and reliable information that enables financial institutions to properly profile customers, noting that although progress has been gradual, Nigeria has begun to benefit from key trust infrastructure, including unique identification systems such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the National Identification Number (NIN), which help improve transparency and trust within the financial ecosystem.

Despite the challenges of accessing credit in Nigeria, the financial expert expressed optimism about the future of entrepreneurship and finance in Nigeria. He observed that the country is gradually building the infrastructure of trust required to expand access to financial services, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance the economic prosperity of its citizens.

He also noted that sustained collaboration between institutions such as Kwara State University and industry leaders will continue to play a vital role in national development. "When we build the capacity of people through quality and affordable 21st century educational facilities, an available and affordable healthcare system, we will unleash opportunities for the growing youthful population who would be empowered to pursue entrepreneurship," he added.

The co-host and Ag. Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. AbdulRahman Mustapha, in his welcome address, stated that the lecture was timely for the future of finance and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. He added that the students as the future of finance and entrepreneurship need to be reminded of the importance of 'trust' as a currency that can sustain any endeavour.