The University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates’ Association (UIMGA), through its initiative Watershed Leadership Training, has reaffirmed its dedication to providing its members with practical entrepreneurship skills so they may grow their businesses.
Launched in 2023, the project provides the first entrepreneurial training programme in the nation with the goal of improving the lives of members and business owners.
The National President of UNIMGA, Mujeed Adebayo Ibrahim, urged the Nigerian government to create an encouraging environment for entrepreneurs, stating that this is the only way to stable the economy, during the convocation ceremony of the first set of training participants.
He said: “The government can’t provide jobs for everybody but with an enabling environment, people will have the opportunity to establish the skills they have acquired without going through stress. Instead of people looking for government jobs, they can equally be employers of labour.”
Ibrahim urged the government at all levels to prioritise security and power, as this will attract investors locally and internationally.
“The government needs to be more proactive regarding security and provide power to avert inflation. The key players in the industry are leaving the country for two reasons, insecurity and power. If the government can provide these two, those who are living will come back, while those around will expand.”
Also speaking, Chairman, UNIMGA, Lagos Chapter, Adulhakeem Taye Badru, said the initiative is part of the philosophy of an Alumni association, where you can put a value on the table in the capacity development of members.
“We started with entrepreneurship training. Every environment has its peculiar challenge and it comes with opportunity as well. So, reorientation is what we are bringing to the programme, to begin to see positive opportunities in the country.”
The incoming Chairman and Management Board, Ahmad Yahya, said the purpose of establishing the programme is for capacity building of members and alumni.
“Those still in university and the alumni will have employability skills. Also, those who want to establish business will have the requirement to upscale their businesses.”
He added that the facilitators of the programme are members who are accomplished professionals in various fields.
“Virtually all businesses have financial challenges, subsequently, we will be looking at the various options that will be open to our members. Such as cooperative, joint ventures, partnership and bank products.”
A graduate, Eng. Ademuyiwa Mikaheel Tijani said: “The experience of the programme was massive and enlightening. Before I joined the programme I was having challenges with my business, which has to do with my team, finances etc. Midway through the programme, I was able to restructure my business and my productivity was improved.”
