FCT COE PROVOST TASKS STUDENTS ON SELF-RELIANCE

By: Halimah Yahaya

 The Provost of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Education, Zuba,  Dr. Sule Mundi  has tasked students on the need to be self-reliant, advising them on the importance of acquring entrepreneurial skills.

The Provost made the  statement during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Entreprneurship Exhibition and Award for Regular Students, organised by the Directorate of General Studies in Education, in collaboration with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship of the Institution, with the theme;  ‘Celebrating 6 Years of Entrepreneurship’s Resilience and Impact: Enhancing a Sustainable Future through Innovations’.

Dr. Mundi stated that the College aims to provide not only knowledge and skills but also to develop the mindset of students.

He said: “We want to teach them opportunity recognition, inspire and motivate them, and encourage them to be versatile and apply their versatility.” He acknowledged the benefits of entrepreneurship, noting that it creates jobs, fosters self-reliance, and promotes economic development, which is why the college is committed to the approach.

He added that regardless of whether students secure jobs after graduation; “they will have the skills to pursue various opportunities,” he stated

 “We are instilling the spirit of entrepreneurship in emphasizing g business and production so that they can thrive once they leave this Institution. The primary goal of teaching these skills is to equip students to be useful to themselves and society after graduation,” he added.

Also speaking the Director of the Directorate of General Studies, Dr. Aliyu Umar Yanda expressed his appreciation to the Provost and the College Management and  commended the College Staff for their dedicated efforts. Regarding the students, he highlighted that they have shown that youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the change-makers of today.

He stated that the world is evolving rapidly, and only those who adapt, innovate, and persevere will succeed in this increasingly digitalized environment.

In her address, Professor Caroline O. Alenoghena, the Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, represented by Dr. Agatha Oseghale, emphasized the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial mindset in students. She highlighted the need for initiatives such as entrepreneurship clubs, startup competitions, and cooperative programs. Professor Alenoghena encouraged students to choose the right path to achieving success.

Additionally, she noted that innovation is not limited to applications or machinery; it also encompasses the services one provides.

 Wife of the former Governor of Kogi State and the Chief Executive Officer of Ovenfare Confectionery, Hajiya Hafiza Yahaya Bello encouraged the students to hold their heads high and not let anyone belittle them. She added that as entrepreneurs, it is essential to understand where you fit in.

The Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Immaculate N. Dona-Ezenne, the Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, e in her vote of thanks expressed her gratitude, appreciating the Provost, the Institution’s management, and all visitors for taking the time to be part of the exhibition.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards, where the Provost, Deputy Provost- Dr. Mrs Gbemisola Olotu, Acting Registrar-Hajiya Zainab Suleiman as well as other top management staff were the recipients.

Also in attendance were Dr. Chudi Ugwuada Ezerigwe, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja Enterprise Agency; Hajiya Hajarat Titilayo Alayande, the Director of the Department of Quality Assurance; and Hajiya Rekiya Ibrahim, the Director of Administration at the Education Secretariat, among others.