Convocation: Nile Varsity VC Calls For Focus On Entrepreneurship, Innovation

The Vice-Chancellor of Nile University of Nigeria, Prof. Dilli Dogo, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to entrepreneurship and combating unemployment through innovative programmes.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 13th Convocation for postgraduate students, following the undergraduate convocation held on Wednesday.

Prof. Dogo emphasised that in an era where traditional jobs are shrinking, universities must play a leading role in fostering innovation and resilience among young people.

He said the institution will continue to champion programmes that support entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition, and employment generation across key sectors of the economy.

According to him, the university’s curriculum is intentionally designed to blend academic learning with practical experience, ensuring graduates are prepared for the realities of a competitive global economy.

Prof. Dogo also highlighted the institution’s investment in modern facilities, incubation centres, and industry partnerships that support student-led ventures.

These structures, he said, nurture creativity and provide a conducive environment for transforming ideas into viable enterprises.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the French Embassy for its generous donation of a fabrication laboratory, describing the gesture as a significant boost to the university’s drive for practical learning and technological innovation.

He said, “Members of the diplomatic corps have been supportive of our objectives to redefine education in this country. I want to pay tribute to the French Embassy.

“They donated a fabrication laboratory to this university, which has been used to train trainers from 14 Nigerian universities. As they go on to acquire their own fabrication labs, they will already be self-sufficient to drive processes.

“In addition, after the successful commissioning of the fabrication lab, the French embassy donated a mini-factory to Nile University for processing plastic waste into semi-finished and finished products.

“When fully installed, we will see ‘Made in Nigeria, Nile University’ products on the streets. I believe this initiative will also mentor young people to understand the essence of entrepreneurship,” he said.

While congratulating the graduands, he urged them to remain committed to excellence and use their skills to make a meaningful impact in society.

He expressed gratitude to the hard-working, creative, and innovative mentors at the university who guided these graduates through their dissertations and led them to this point, where the Senate has certified them as ready to define their potential.

The Vice-Chancellor also reiterated the growing international recognition of Nile University degrees.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor, John Vermaaten, urged students to become ambassadors of excellence for the university, using their training to uplift their communities, advance their professions, and make a positive impact wherever they go.

Founded in 2009 in Abuja, Nile University of Nigeria is a private multidisciplinary institution offering more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across eight faculties.

It has been a member of Honoris United Universities– the first and largest pan-African private higher education network with 16 institutions in 10 countries– since 2020.

The university contributes to the network’s goals of boosting employability, fostering innovation, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.