KWASU Deepens Industry Collaboration with CRC Credit Bureau to Boost Student Employability

The Kwara State University has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening student employability and entrepreneurship through strategic industry partnerships following a collaborative lecture organised with CRC Credit Bureau Limited.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, stated this during the institution’s first collaborative lecture jointly organised by the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and the Centre for Advancement and Industrial Collaboration (CAIC) on April 27, 2026.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the initiative reflects KWASU’s broader commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry through practical “town and gown” engagement capable of preparing students for modern economic realities.

He explained that the lecture was designed to expose students and members of the university community to issues surrounding creditworthiness, entrepreneurship financing, and financial systems, all of which are increasingly critical in today’s business environment.

Prof. Jimoh emphasised that KWASU’s institutional philosophy extends beyond teaching and research to include entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and community transformation.

He further highlighted the university’s growing relationship with CRC Credit Bureau Limited, describing the collaboration as a strategic platform for practical knowledge exchange and professional exposure.

According to him, the partnership will create opportunities for structured internships, employability training, industry mentorship, and collaborative research in areas including finance, data science, and credit management.

Delivering the maiden 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, stressed the importance of financial inclusion and access to credit in driving economic growth.

He noted that Nigeria still records one of the lowest levels of credit penetration globally, despite the central role financing plays in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

Dr. Popoola explained that countries with strong entrepreneurial ecosystems typically operate reliable credit systems that allow businesses and individuals easier access to finance.

He added that Nigeria is gradually building what he described as an “infrastructure of trust” through systems such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN), which improve transparency and credibility within the financial sector.

The financial expert expressed optimism that continued reforms and partnerships between universities and industry stakeholders would strengthen entrepreneurship and economic productivity across the country.

He argued that improving access to quality education, healthcare, and financial infrastructure would significantly expand opportunities for Nigeria’s youthful population and support sustainable economic growth.

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. AbdulRahman Mustapha, described the lecture as timely, particularly for students preparing to enter Nigeria’s evolving financial and entrepreneurial landscape.

He stressed that trust remains a critical factor in sustaining businesses, institutions, and financial systems.