The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has underlined the entrepreneurship education's role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and culture in the  society.

Peters said such knowledge also enhances creativity and innovation, which develops problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Isaac Butswat , made this known at NOUN's second graduation ceremony and certificate award for its Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education (NEE) programme.

The event, which saw the graduation of 88 students, was held at the university’s headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Peters stated that the programme encourages self-employment, supports economic growth, and prepares students for the future economy.

He stressed the importance of practical, hands-on learning experiences, real-world case studies, and continuous assessment in achieving success in entrepreneurship education while challenging the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to create innovative solutions, generate employment opportunities, and drive economic progress.

“Now that you have been educated and trained, it’s left for you to prove yourself and strive to be exemplary entrepreneurs, reputable ambassadors of this programme, and innovative creators of employment opportunities,” he added.

While giving the graduation lecture, Dr. Osazee Joshua Osamwegie, founder and initiator of La Plage Metaverse, encouraged graduates to embrace resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Osamwegie urged the graduates to think beyond conventional paths, reminding them of the unique opportunities presented by the NEE programme.

“This is the best programme for Nigerians today, so take everything you’ve learned here and apply it creatively because your success will not come from textbooks alone but from real-world application,” he said.

He urged the graduates to actively build and maintain networks, encouraging them to leverage every opportunity to showcase their products and services, by turning challenges into opportunities.

Earlier in his speech, the Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and General Studies (DE&GS), Dr. Samuel Awolumate, commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance.

He reiterated NOUN’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among Nigerians and equipping them with practical knowledge to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.

The director highlighted the programme's broader mission: to discover, build, and empower budding entrepreneurs capable of impacting their communities and driving societal transformation. 

He encouraged the graduates to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship and represent NOUN’s legacy of excellence, urging the graduates to embody the values and expertise imparted during the programme.

Delivering his speech, the best-graduating student, Mr. Folami Olatunji Almaroof, highlighted the transformative impact of the NEE programme on his journey and those of his peers, expressing his gratitude to NOUN for equipping students with practical skills that transcend academic theory.

“Today, we stand here as graduates not just with certificates but with tools to shape the future because this programme has given us the confidence and competence to turn ideas into impactful ventures,” he added.