MAU Business School Holds Maiden International Conference on Inclusive Economic Development

Modibbo Adama University, Yola, has concluded the maiden International Conference of its newly established Business School, with scholars, entrepreneurs, policymakers and government representatives exploring innovative approaches to business development and inclusive economic growth.

The conference, which commenced on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with the arrival of guests, was held from Monday, September 28 to Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Lecture Theatre I, College of Medical Sciences, Modibbo Adama University, Yola.

The conference is part of efforts to position the MAU Business School as a centre for advanced business education, entrepreneurship, executive training, leadership development, professional capacity building and industry engagement.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Professor Ibrahim Danjuma, highlighted the importance of the Business School and its potential to strengthen the University's contribution to business development and economic growth, while appreciating the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Umar, for approving its establishment.

The Pioneer Director of the Business School, Professor Bashir Ahmad Daneji, welcomed participants and commended the Local Organising Committee and the Vice-Chancellor for their support.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Academic and Professional Certification Board and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Iliyasu Audu, encouraged the University community and stakeholders to engage with the Business School.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Adamawa Business School, Mal. Jamilu Yusuf Dan Umma, described both institutions as partners in progress and expressed readiness to collaborate in business education and entrepreneurship.

The Guest of Honour, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Aliyu Abubakar, represented by Engr. Joro Sallau, spoke on the importance of energy to economic and business development and highlighted the 5-megawatt solar power plant provided to the University.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Host, Professor Ibrahim Umar, reaffirmed the University's commitment to supporting initiatives that expand industry engagement and create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The academic sessions featured two lead papers and a keynote address. The first lead paper, titled Nigerian Economy and Society: Reducing Poverty through Small-Scale Businesses, was presented by Professor Isaac Ediba, Dean of Students, Gombe State University. The second, titled Reimagining Business Innovation, Sustainability and Digital Transformation: An Entrepreneurial Paradigm for Inclusive Development in Nigeria and Beyond, was presented by Professor Jibril Abdulsalam, Director, Entrepreneurship Centre, Nasarawa State University.

A keynote address titled Rewiring Value: Business Innovation, Digital Intelligence and Regenerative Sustainability as the Architecture of Inclusive Economic Development, was delivered virtually by Professor Helen Afang Andow, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, Innovations and Service Delivery, Kaduna State University and Pro-Chancellor, Unique Open University, Lagos.

The conference provided a platform for exchange of ideas, networking and examination of practical approaches to business innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability.