University Of Ibadan Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Partnerships With Small And Medium Enterprises

The University of Ibadan has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships with small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in a bid to promote innovation, creativity, and self-reliance among students and young entrepreneurs.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 University of Ibadan SME Fair, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Juwon Arotiba, stated that the university was dedicated to strengthening collaborations with small and medium businesses with zeal and purpose.

He explained that the structure of the fair was designed to provide a platform for building new networks, sharing knowledge, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, while also serving as a bridge between academia and enterprise.

Professor Arotiba commended Providus Bank for partnering with the university to sustain an enabling structure that allows student entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and gain visibility, adding that such collaborations play a crucial role in empowering students with practical entrepreneurial experience.

He appreciated the Deputy Managing Director of Providus Bank, Mr. Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo, for delivering the keynote address at the event, describing his participation as a reflection of the bank’s strong commitment to supporting the SME sector in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, noted that the fair’s theme — “Inspiring Next-Gen SMEs: Igniting Ideas, Innovations and Building Resilience” — captured the essence of her office’s mandate to drive innovation and promote strategic collaborations.

She explained that the university was intentionally building pathways between academia, government, and industry through collaborative research and innovation-focused initiatives that enable SMEs to scale and compete globally.

Professor Bamgbose highlighted success stories of students who leveraged the university’s ecosystem and mentorship programmes at previous SME fairs to transform their campus-based ideas into thriving enterprises.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Kehinde Aremu-Cole, lauded the University of Ibadan for its continuous support for small businesses, describing entrepreneurship as a vital driver of national development that is often overlooked.

He commended the university for exposing students to entrepreneurial training early, adding that such initiatives prepare them to be self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Mr. Aremu-Cole explained that the NYSC, through its SAED programme, seeks to nurture entrepreneurial instincts among corps members and support their transition into full-time business ownership. He advised young entrepreneurs to focus on customer satisfaction, fair pricing, timely delivery, and effective manpower management while prioritizing ventures that meet high market demand.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo urged participants to take full advantage of the platform provided by the fair to begin their entrepreneurial journeys early. He encouraged them to remain steadfast despite challenges, conquer fear, and place business growth above personal luxury.

He reaffirmed Providus Bank’s commitment to empowering SMEs through its SME Clinic initiative and announced that thirty-nine enterprises would benefit from a ₦10 million grant at this year’s fair. He further disclosed that selected SMEs would receive free POS machines and a two-day entrepreneurial training, emphasizing that integrity and long-term planning remain the bedrock of business success.

The convener of the fair, Professor Ruth O. Adio-Moses, stated that the initiative was conceived as a one-stop platform where creativity and innovation meet opportunity. She urged participants to proudly display their products and take advantage of the exposure and mentorship opportunities available.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000 to qualified SMEs, courtesy of Providus Bank’s partnership with the University.

The two-day exhibition also featured displays of products and services by students and emerging entrepreneurs. The fair commenced with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office by members of the Local Organizing Committee and the Deputy Managing Director of Providus Bank, Mr. Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo, who also serves as a UI@75 Ambassador.