The National Universities Commission (NUC) has called for stronger collaboration among universities, industry leaders, government agencies and development partners to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
The call was made during a one-day workshop organised by the commission in partnership with the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
The workshop, themed “From Innovation to Impact: Strengthening Partnerships for Innovation, Practice and Policy,” brought together stakeholders to explore ways of translating research, innovation and entrepreneurship into tangible social and economic outcomes.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, said entrepreneurship education has become increasingly important in preparing graduates for the realities of the modern labour market.
According to him, universities must move beyond their traditional teaching and research roles to become centres of innovation, enterprise development and practical problem-solving.
He noted that higher institutions have a responsibility to produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully to national development.
Ribadu disclosed that more than 60 Nigerian universities are currently involved in entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, describing the growing network as an important platform for collaboration, peer learning and the exchange of best practices.
He stressed that meaningful progress in entrepreneurship education would require stronger partnerships between universities and industry to ensure academic programmes remain relevant to evolving workforce needs.
The NUC boss also highlighted the importance of international collaborations, transnational education and digital skills development in strengthening the capacity of Nigerian universities and improving their global competitiveness.
The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen knowledge exchange, encourage institutional partnerships and position Nigerian universities to play a more active role in innovation-led development.
