By John Ikani
The University of Abuja has made it compulsory for all students to register a company before they can graduate.
This was made known by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah on Monday while addressing the press about his administration’s achievements over the past four years.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the move was a part of the administration’s efforts to revamp the university’s infrastructure, learning methods, and industry engagement, adding that the university’s mission extends beyond simply awarding certificates to job seekers.
According to him, “We’ve fostered a strong industry presence on our campus, continually enriching our curriculum with cutting-edge insights.
“We are also collaborating with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce. Together, they have improved the university’s curriculum to empower students with essential skills and knowledge on how to register and manage their own companies
“As a result of this fruitful partnership, over 1000 students have already registered their companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) while still pursuing their studies. Many students are now graduating with the exciting prospect of putting their registered companies into practice, some as early as their 300 level.”
Why this matters
The youth unemployment rate in Nigeria is estimated to be around 53.40%. This means that more than half of the youth in Nigeria are unemployed. The unemployment rate is even higher for women, with an estimated rate of 62.80%.
The University of Abuja’s new policy of requiring students to register a company before they can graduate has the potential to benefit students, the university, and the nation at large.
It sends a message to students that the university is committed to helping them succeed in the real world.
By requiring students to register a company before they can graduate, the university is signaling that it wants students to be prepared to start their own businesses or be innovative within existing businesses.
As more young people start their own businesses, they will create jobs for themselves and for others. This will help to boost the Nigerian economy and reduce poverty.
In addition, the policy can help to improve the skills and knowledge of young people, which will make them more employable.
