Creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship – LAUTECH agog as faculty holds exhibition
Abdulrasaq BELLO
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin campus of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Wednesday, held the maiden edition of its entrepreneurship exhibition by students of the college.
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The event witnessed by the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Professor Rasaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu (represented by Acting Provost of the College, Professor Gbenga Adewale), chairman of Iseyin local government, Hon Muftau Osuolale Abilawon (represented), industrialists, members of Iseyin Development Union and staff, celebrated the students whose entrepreneurship projects in entrepreneurship studies in agricultural course of the Department of Agricultural Economics were presented in the exhibition.
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“We gather today to celebrate the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship spirit of our students,” Professor Mrs. F.I. Olagunju, Head of Department, Agricultural Economics, stated. “It is the culmination of their hard work and dedication to the entrepreneurship studies in agricultural science course.
“The event is a testament of the vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem we have fostered here in Iseyin, Oyo state. It’s a platform where ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and dreams take flight. Their projects showcase their learnings in agricultural entrepreneurship, and we are proud to share their achievements with you.”
Prof Kalilu, the Acting Vice Chancellor, also remarked, “Today, we gather to celebrate the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial potential of our students. This event showcases the culmination of their hard work, dedication, and creativity, as they present their innovative projects and business ideas. We are proud to have reached this milestone.”
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The Acting Vice Chancellor ascribed the feat to Governor Seyi Makinde’s support for “education, innovation and entrepreneurship,” emphasizing, “Your administration’s commitment to academic excellence and youth empowerment has created a conducive environment for our students to thrive.”
He asserted the projects presentation is an affirmation of the governor’s “investment in education and human capital development,” maintaining, “Your leadership has positioned us as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, and we are proud to be a part of this ecosystem. We appreciate your continued support for our institution, LAUTECH, and our students, who are the future leaders and change-makers of our state and nation.”
Kalilu praised the efforts of the HOD and lecturers in the department for promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship in the students just as he lauded the students themselves, and the Iseyin community for “providing an enabling environment” for the institution.
The Acting Provost in his welcome address presented by Professor Wole Alamu, Acting Dean Faculty of Renewable Energy Resources, justifying the rating of LAUTECH as Nigeria’s “Best in Industry” by the Times Higher Education 2024 ranking, said, “Our students are industrious, innovative, and creative as shown in their entrepreneurship projects, exhibited today.”
On exhibition were various agro-allied products by the students, which earned them accolades from the guests.
The products were assessed by a panel of judges and awards given to exceptional students i.e. Governor Seyi Makinde Award (1st prize), Acting Vice Chancellor Award (2nd prize) and Acting Provost Award (3rd Prize).
Meanwhile, the HOD, Prof Olagunju identified some challenges to nurturing entrepreneurship spirit among students including limited access to resources and funding, cultural stigma she observes is associated with failure in academic environments and limited industry engagement and collaboration, while advocating a concerted effort to address the problems by all stakeholders – educators, administrators, students, industry partners, and policymakers.
