The practical spirit of entrepreneurship was in full focus on Monday, 13th April, as Godfrey Okoye University hosted the first STEP-S “Train-the-Trainer” workshop of 2026.
This intensive session aimed to equip a new cohort of educators with the tools to guide students in launching real-world businesses using capital provided by the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) initiative.
The event featured a distinguished lineup of attendees, including the University Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Chidi Peace; STEP-S Lead Coordinator, Mr. Christopher Uwakwe; and the University’s International Liaison Officer, Ms. Meggy Kanter. Also, in attendance were Prof. Aaron Eze, representing the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Dr. Anyway Mikiori from the University of Venda, South Africa.
Since its global inception in 2009, STEP has trained over 50,000 students across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The program has a strong history at Godfrey Okoye University, having been introduced in 2018 by Ms. Meggy Kanter. From its humble beginnings with 11 trainers and 200 students, the initiative has seen remarkable success, with participating students reporting a 97% return on their startup capital.
Addressing questions on financial accountability, Ms. Kanter emphasized that a rigorous character assessment is conducted before any funds are released. Students are required to provide a detailed written account of all expenditures. However, the program maintains a supportive learning environment: if a business loss is deemed justifiable, the organization bears the cost, treating it as a valuable lesson in the entrepreneurial journey.
Regarding the long-term viability of these ventures, Lead Coordinator Mr. Christopher Uwakwe shared encouraging data. Through consistent alumni tracking via email, the organization has found that over 80% of businesses started through the program continue to thrive years later.
With twelve new trainers now on track to join the program, Godfrey Okoye University continues to solidify its position as a hub for practical business education and sustainable economic empowerment.
