Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria’s unemployment challenge can only be sustainably addressed when young people shift their focus from seeking jobs to creating opportunities through entrepreneurship and innovation, the Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, has said.
The university don urged Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship, value creation and problem-solving as pathways to personal success and national development, stressing that the country’s future depends largely on a generation equipped with practical skills, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Speaking during a university event, Professor Babalola emphasized that higher education institutions must go beyond awarding academic degrees by preparing students to become employers of labour, innovators and responsible leaders capable of transforming society.
She noted that while academic excellence remains important, it should be complemented with critical thinking, resilience, digital competence and business skills that enable graduates to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, entrepreneurship is no longer an optional career path but an essential component of modern education, especially in developing economies where formal employment opportunities continue to lag behind the growing number of graduates entering the labour market each year.
Entrepreneurship as a Solution to Unemployment
Professor Babalola explained that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources capable of driving economic growth if properly harnessed by innovative young entrepreneurs.
She encouraged students to identify problems within their communities and develop practical solutions that create value while generating income.
Rather than waiting indefinitely for government or corporate jobs, she urged young Nigerians to leverage technology, agriculture, manufacturing, creative industries and other emerging sectors to establish businesses that can contribute meaningfully to economic development.
According to her, successful entrepreneurs create employment opportunities not only for themselves but also for others, thereby reducing poverty and stimulating local economies.
She added that entrepreneurship encourages innovation, boosts productivity and strengthens national competitiveness, making it a critical pillar of sustainable development.
Universities Must Produce Job Creators
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that universities have a responsibility to align education with industry needs by equipping students with practical knowledge alongside theoretical instruction.
She said institutions of higher learning should provide platforms that encourage innovation, research commercialization, business incubation and partnerships with industry to help students translate ideas into successful enterprises.
Professor Babalola maintained that graduates who possess entrepreneurial skills are better positioned to adapt to changing economic realities than those who rely solely on conventional employment.
She urged educational institutions across Nigeria to strengthen entrepreneurship programmes, mentorship initiatives and skills acquisition centres capable of nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Value Creation Drives Sustainable Growth
Highlighting the importance of value creation, Professor Babalola explained that true entrepreneurship extends beyond making profits.
She said successful entrepreneurs focus on solving real societal problems, improving lives and delivering products or services that address genuine needs.
According to her, businesses built around value creation are more sustainable because they earn customer trust, stimulate innovation and contribute positively to national development.
She encouraged students to cultivate integrity, discipline and excellence in their entrepreneurial journeys, noting that these qualities remain essential for building credible businesses capable of attracting investors and long-term growth.
Youths Hold Nigeria’s Future
The Vice-Chancellor described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset, urging them to reject hopelessness despite prevailing economic challenges.
She expressed confidence that with determination, continuous learning and innovation, young Nigerians can build globally competitive enterprises capable of transforming communities and contributing to Africa’s economic advancement.
Professor Babalola further encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, adapt to technological changes and develop leadership qualities necessary for succeeding in today’s rapidly evolving world.
She noted that digital technologies have lowered barriers to entrepreneurship, enabling young innovators to access global markets, build scalable businesses and create wealth through knowledge-based industries.
Government, Private Sector Collaboration Needed
While emphasizing individual initiative, Professor Babalola also called for stronger collaboration between government, universities and the private sector to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.
She advocated policies that improve access to funding, business development services, infrastructure and innovation ecosystems that support startups and small businesses.
According to her, such partnerships will enhance the capacity of young entrepreneurs to commercialize innovative ideas, expand businesses and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She added that investment in education, research and entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective strategies for securing Nigeria’s long-term economic future.
Building a Culture of Innovation
Education experts increasingly argue that entrepreneurial education should become central to Nigeria’s development agenda as the country seeks sustainable solutions to youth unemployment and economic diversification.
Across Nigerian universities, entrepreneurship development centres have continued to introduce programmes aimed at equipping students with practical business skills, financial literacy, innovation management and leadership competencies.
Analysts believe that nurturing entrepreneurial talent among young people could stimulate startup growth, increase productivity and reduce dependence on public-sector employment.
For many graduates, the ability to identify opportunities, create value and build sustainable businesses may ultimately determine their success in an economy undergoing rapid technological and structural transformation.
Professor Babalola’s message aligns with growing calls for universities to become hubs of innovation where research, enterprise and community impact intersect.
As Nigeria continues to confront unemployment, economic uncertainty and evolving labour market demands, stakeholders agree that fostering entrepreneurship and value creation among youths will remain critical to building a resilient, inclusive and prosperous economy.
Sources:
- Chrisland University
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- The Nation Nigeria
- Vanguard Nigeria
