Mkar Varsity Launches Student Innovation Hub After Kuraun’s Challenge

The University of Mkar has established a Students Innovation Hub aimed at empowering students to develop practical solutions to societal challenges.

The initiative followed a challenge issued by development expert, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, during the institution’s 19th Distinguished Public Lecture recently in Gboko, Benue state.

Speaking at the lecture themed “Navigating an Uncertain Future: Courage, Creativity and Responsibility in Times of Crisis,” Kuraun urged students to move beyond passive learning and embrace innovation, creativity and problem solving.

He emphasised the need for universities to create Student Innovation Labs where young people can transform ideas into practical solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing development challenges.

Responding to the call, the university community has set up the Students Innovation Hub as a collaborative space where students can meet, exchange ideas and develop projects with real world impact.

The hub was designed to promote creativity, teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration among students while providing mentorship opportunities from faculty members and industry actors.

According to the concept presented during the lecture, such innovation labs allow students to work on real challenges within their communities while gaining practical skills that complement classroom learning.

The space also encourages collaboration between students, entrepreneurs and development partners in order to transform academic ideas into viable initiatives.
Carrying the motto “Think. Imagine. Create.” the hub seeks to inspire students to see themselves as solution-builders rather than observers of national problems.

Kuraun, in his address, challenged students to acquire practical competencies such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, agriculture and data analysis to better prepare for an uncertain future.

He further urged young people to apply knowledge to community problems, build financial resilience and work across disciplines to create scalable solutions.

The newly established hub is expected to serve as a platform where ideas developed by students can evolve into impactful projects that contribute to national development.

The initiative is seen as one that could serve as a model for universities across Nigeria seeking to promote innovation, ethical leadership and problem-solving among students.

Kuraun concluded his lecture with a challenge to the students: “You are not just here to absorb knowledge. You are here to co create the future.”

The establishment of the Students Innovation Hub marks what the university describes as an important step toward translating that vision into practical action.