NSUK Hosts Third INNOFEST and Heritage Expo to Promote Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has hosted the third edition of INNOFEST and HERITAGE EXPO 3.0, an initiative aimed at promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, vocational skills and the commercialisation of student innovations.

The event, themed “Festival of Ideas and Heritage,” was held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the university’s Convocation Square. It brought together students, faculty members and industry stakeholders to showcase innovative products, demonstrate vocational skills and explore opportunities for business development.

Declaring the festival open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Makwin Danladi Makut, commended the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (EDC) for organising the event and bridging cultural heritage with modern enterprise.

Professor Makut also praised participating students for their creativity, noting that the exhibition demonstrated how traditional knowledge could be transformed into sustainable and competitive businesses.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to employability, practical innovation and sustainable enterprise development, while commending the Director of the Centre, Professor Rashidah Funke Olarewaju, for her leadership in preparing students for the competitive business environment.

Welcoming participants, Professor Olarewaju explained that the festival also marked her two years of leadership at the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.

Addressing the students as future employers, innovators and problem-solvers, she encouraged them to embrace technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to improve creativity, increase productivity and expand their businesses.

She further advised aspiring entrepreneurs to move beyond generating business ideas by prioritising quality product finishing and strong brand identity. She also urged them to pursue proper business registration to establish legally recognised and sustainable enterprises.

According to her, the practical skills acquired within the university should translate into innovative solutions capable of competing in the global marketplace.

Professor Olarewaju expressed appreciation to the Centre’s staff for their continued support in developing a confident, skilled and economically empowered generation of Nigerian youths.

The event featured a keynote address by Professor Ganiat Adeshina of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), who spoke on the theme, “Small Business, Big Shift.”

In her address, Professor Adeshina examined practical strategies for expanding small businesses and highlighted opportunities available to entrepreneurs who adapt to changing economic conditions through strategic growth models.

The festival also featured exhibitions of student-led inventions, crafts and technological prototypes, alongside live demonstrations of acquired vocational skills.

INNOFEST and HERITAGE EXPO 3.0 ended with a commemorative group photograph involving student innovators, university management and members of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development team.