Godfrey Okoye University Empowers Faculty with Sustainable Entrepreneurship Training

In a significant move to deepen its commitment to job creation and sustainable development, the Directorate of Entrepreneurship at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, has commenced a transformative training program for 12 faculty representatives as certified entrepreneurship experts under the DAAD-funded STEP-S (Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion – Sustainability) programme.

The workshop, which kicked off on campus, was declared open by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Sergius Udeh, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke. Professor Udeh emphasized that Nigeria needs job creators, not job seekers, and reiterated the university’s mission to raise a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The International Liaison Officer, Meggy Kentart, highlighted that the STEP-S programme was introduced in response to the Vice-Chancellor’s call for a practical initiative to combat youth unemployment. She noted the positive shift in perception among students toward entrepreneurship since its inception.

Since 2018, over 3,000 students have been trained under the STEP programme, with more than 1,000 micro-businesses established by students. This year, over 650 students have registered for the training.

The programme coordinator and Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Mr. Christopher Uwakwe, who is now a certified Master Trainer in sustainable entrepreneurship, expressed pride in the impact the programme has had on student confidence and entrepreneurial growth. He also noted the integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the training framework.

Dr. Amaka Ngene from the Enugu State Technical and Science Schools Management Board praised the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and expressed confidence in the programme’s continued success in producing job providers.

In a keynote address, Mr. Bonface Joel Malala from Mount Kenya University called for stronger collaboration to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

Dr. Daniel Ochi, Director of Entrepreneurship at Maduka University, delivered a goodwill message and announced readiness for partnership in the STEP-S programme.

Scholars from Germany, Kenya, and other global institutions also presented insightful papers during the event, reinforcing the programme’s international relevance and academic depth.

Godfrey Okoye University continues to lead the way in redefining education as a tool for entrepreneurship, innovation, and national transformation.