Education
PROF. Ademola Adele, Director, Directorate of Entrepreneurship Studies, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has urged academics to be relevant in the nation’s economy, for sustainable development.
Adele made this assertion at the fourth annual conference of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU) on Tuesday.
The conference, organised in partnership with the Institute of Classic Entrepreneurship, has as its theme: “Institutions, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in an Emergency Economy”.
He said that universities are research institutes and need to develop robust academics for economic development in the country.
“We have every potential to develop the economy, so we need to identify, recognise and support those with ingenuity that determine each nation’s growth.
“A society that has lost touch with its creative side is an imprisoned society, as such generation of people may be closed-minded,” he said.
The don said that LASU students should be attentive to lectures to build and bring out the entrepreneurship spirit in them.
According to him, entrepreneurship process is a combination of different variables which unfold over time and move through distinct, but closely-interrelated phases.
“An entrepreneur must possess skill, motives, characteristics and ability to transform problem into business opportunities,” he said.
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor, LASU, said that there was the need to strengthen institutions to produce positive results in entrepreneurship.
“At this critical time in our nation when we are faced with harsh economic realities owing to various factors, there is need for conversation to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive,’’ she said.
Olatunji-Bello applauded the organisers, describing the event as a noteworthy initiative that would assist the university in particular, and the nation at large.
She said it would help to strengthen innovation and development of entrepreneurship.
Also, Prof. Raheem Akewushola, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, LASU, said that the interaction would enable professors to take on challenges facing Nigeria’s economy.
Akewushola said that participants would address ways to use innovation and institutions to sustain economic development.
According to him, LASU is presently partnering with a private entrepreneurship institute to encourage the relationship of town and gown.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Prof. Omotayo Oyeniyi, said that the conference was aimed at building modest and structured entrepreneurship system to boost the economy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Institute of Classic Entrepreneurship inducted nine fellows into business management at the event. (NAN)
KN
Tags: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LASU Prof. Ademola Adele PROF. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello Prof. Omotayo Oyeniyi Prof. Raheem Akewushola
