Aliyu seeks entrepreneurship programmes for tertiary institutions

Niger State Governor,  Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has said the country can only meet the challenges of the 21st century when tertiary institutions review their courses to reflect entrepreneurial skills.

He also said for the actualisation of Vision 20:2020, entrepreneurship education is indispensable.

 Aliyu spoke at the maiden Entrepreneurship Week by the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Studies, Federal University of Technology, Minna. It had as theme: ‘’Entrepreneurship for self-reliance”.

Aliyu said education institutions should be established with clear mandates and focus to address specific areas of national development.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mohammed Bashir Nuhu, the governor said efforts should be made at building a strong diversified economic base that is non-oil dependent, but driven by robust entrepreneurship engagement.

Aliyu said:  “To attain international competitiveness and economic self-reliance deliberate efforts should be made at building a strong diversified economic base that is non-oil dependent, but one driven by robust entrepreneurship engagement.”

He praised FUTMINNA for running Entrepreneurship and Business Studies programme up to degree level, adding that the graduates of the departm ent would be better positioned to be self employed.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Musbau Akanji, said the aim of establishing the department is to meet the demand of the society for job creation and wealth generation to reduce unemployment and poverty in line with Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs).

Represented by his Deputy (Administration), Prof. Suleiman Sadiku, Akanji said the event was an indication of the achievements of the university’s mission to build and develop high level capacity through skilled, dynamic training and research as well as development services of highest standard in entrepreneurship.