UNN Launches Technology Advancement Program to Tackle Graduate Unemployment

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has embarked on a mission to tackle the growing concern of unemployable graduates in the country due to inadequate skills and preparation for the workforce. As part of this effort, the university launched its Technology Advancement Programme (UNTAP), which aims to harness the innovative talents of students and connect them with industry leaders for sponsorship and support.

The UNTAP Innovative Forum, which commenced on Thursday, was designed to create opportunities for students to showcase their creative ideas to captains of industry, fostering potential partnerships and career pathways. The event, held at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), had the theme “Presentation of Innovative Idea from Creative Forum.” It featured eight selected students who presented their innovative projects to industry professionals and potential investors.

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Prof. Geraldine Ugwuonah, Director of UNTAP and Professor of Marketing at UNN, explained the importance of the forum in identifying and nurturing talent among students and lecturers. She noted that many graduates face challenges in employment due to a lack of practical skills and mentorship. Prof. Ugwuonah emphasized that UNTAP aims to address this gap by providing a platform for students to develop and refine their ideas, with guidance from experienced professionals.

Prof. Ugwuonah stated, “We have listened to [the students] before as we started since February and we try to fine-tune some of the ideas they had by putting them into perspective. Those that participated in the presentation will be our ambassadors.” The director also revealed that UNTAP has previously facilitated connections between students and sponsors, with plans for larger events to reach a broader audience.

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Dr. Chinedum Aranotu, Manager of UNTAP, highlighted the programme's evolution since its inception in 2015. The centre has been instrumental in guiding student inventors through coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, resulting in successful collaborations. Dr. Aranotu pointed out the success of Greenage Technologies, a company founded by one of their early participants, Aaron Esumeh, who now manufactures solar equivalent inverters and charge controllers in Enugu. Esumeh, a sponsor of the event, announced his commitment to supporting the winners of the presentation, offering ₦1.5 million to Victory Wellington, the top presenter.

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Emeka Nwandu, an investor and owner of Bon Sunshine Hotel in Enugu, praised the forum's initiative and expressed interest in supporting projects focused on renewable energy. He commended UNTAP for its efforts to address unemployment by fostering innovation among students.

Victory Wellington, a 100-level student of Civil Engineering at UNN, emerged as the top presenter with his project focused on Renewable Energy, earning a cash prize of ₦100,000 and additional sponsorship from Esumeh. Wellington shared that the unreliable power supply in Nigeria motivated him and his team to develop a solution. Samuel Ojile, the second-place winner with a project on Revamping Education, received ₦50,000, while the remaining six participants were awarded ₦20,000 each as consolation prizes.

The UNTAP Innovative Forum showcases the commitment of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to fostering innovation and addressing graduate unemployment. Through continued support and industry partnerships, the programme aims to create a pathway for students to transform their ideas into tangible career opportunities and contribute to the country's economic growth.

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