OOU Trains 110 Participants in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Awards Certificates at Maiden Short Course Ceremony*

ABEOKUTA -The Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has awarded certificates of proficiency to 110 successful participants of its maiden Short Course Programme, in a major step towards promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and practical skills development.

The certificate presentation and award ceremony, organised by the university’s Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, was held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Olufemi Okenla Entrepreneur Centre, OOU, Ago-Iwoye.

The programme, described as the first of its kind in the university, was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, entrepreneurial competencies and professional skills to identify opportunities, develop innovative ideas and establish sustainable ventures.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olayinka Johnson Agboola, was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olatundun Abosede Oderinde.

Other principal officers of the university at the ceremony included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oladipo Olusola Olubomehin; the Registrar, Dr Caleb I. Orukotan; and the University Librarian, Professor Fehintola N. Onifade, who was represented by Dr Mrs Awojobi.

Also in attendance were the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Najeem A.A. Babarinde; Director of Linkages and Partnership, Professor Joseph S. Ashidi; Director of Research, Professor Richard A. Aborisade; and Director of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Professor Mustapha A. Usman.

The DVC Academic, Prof. Oderinde, who welcomed all the guests, especially the pioneer successful participants, emphasized the importance of having hands-on skills in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She saluted the visionary Vice Chancellor for being the brain behind this success, and encouraged others to subscribe to the program. She added that the University Senate had approved over 100 short courses , and 20 of them are currently active. She specifically thanked the Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for keying into the vision of the Vice Chancellor, and again also expressed her appreciation to Chief Olufemi Okenla for his generosity to the University with the Olufemi Okenla Entrepreneurship Center Hub.

The Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Dr Olufemi A. Ogunkoya, who also welcomed participants and distinguished guests, said the initiative reflected the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Ogunkoya explained that the programme was conceived to expand the traditional understanding of education beyond the acquisition of academic qualifications, stressing the need to prepare individuals to become innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, job creators and responsible contributors to national development.

He noted that the initiative, driven by the Vice-Chancellor with the support of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), formed part of the institution’s broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship and skills development within the university community.

According to him, 110 successful participants received certificates of proficiency in specialised areas designed to provide practical and professional competencies.

The areas covered by the programme included Church Administration, facilitated by the Department of Religious Studies; Agribusiness, by the Department of Cooperatives and Rural Development; Leadership and Management, by the Department of Business Administration; Private Security Services, by the Department of Sociology; Strategic Real Estate, by the Department of Estate Management; and Digital Media and Content Creation, by the Department of Mass Communication.

The programme brought together academic departments and the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to provide participants with specialised training and practical exposure in different fields.

Congratulating the successful participants, Ogunkoya described the certificates as more than evidence of participation, saying they represented the beneficiaries’ commitment to learning, personal development and the pursuit of excellence.

He urged them to translate the knowledge and skills acquired into practical ventures, explore emerging opportunities and embrace innovation in their respective fields.

The director also challenged the participants to cultivate the qualities required for entrepreneurial success, including courage, discipline, creativity, resilience and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their continued support and commitment to initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and skills development.

Ogunkoya also acknowledged the contributions of the facilitators, resource persons and guest lecturers whose expertise and experience contributed to the successful implementation of the programme.

He expressed confidence that the short course initiative would make meaningful contributions to the university’s vision of producing graduates and other beneficiaries who are not only academically sound but also entrepreneurial, innovative and self-reliant.