Maduka University, located in Ekwegbe-Nsukka, Enugu State, is on a mission to ensure its graduates are equipped to create jobs rather than seek them. This vision was shared by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Ogbulogo, during a recent visit to inspect facilities at JOFRAN Global Concept Ltd. and G-Techno Interleague Nig Ltd. The visit was part of an ongoing entrepreneurial partnership between the university and these companies.
Professor Ogbulogo expressed his satisfaction with the facilities at both companies, which are set to play a crucial role in the university’s entrepreneurship training. He revealed that Maduka University is close to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with these firms to further strengthen this partnership.
“Our goal at Maduka University is to ensure that by the time our students graduate, they have acquired at least two vocational skills. This will enable them to become job creators rather than job seekers,” said Professor Ogbulogo. “I am impressed with the facilities I have seen today, and we will be working closely with these companies to replicate similar setups at our university.”
He emphasized that the university is committed to entrepreneurship, ensuring that every student graduates with skills that will make them self-reliant and capable of generating employment opportunities for others.
During the visit, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Okpo, Managing Director of JOFRAN Global Concept Ltd., expressed his excitement about partnering with Maduka University. His company specializes in bee farming, honey harvesting, and the processing and export of honey and its by-products according to international standards. Okpo, who also serves as the Director of the Centre for Agriculture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noted that JOFRAN Global Concept Ltd. supplies honey to major hotels across the country and represents Nigeria at international honey exhibitions.
In a similar vein, Mr. Peter Onyeke, Managing Director of G-Techno Interleague Nig Ltd., shared insights into his company’s operations. G-Techno specializes in machine fabrication and the processing of agro-foods, vegetables, and spices. Onyeke explained that his company fabricates various types of machines used to process foods such as cassava, vegetables, and spices like the popular ‘Okpeyi Nsukka,’ which they package and distribute to markets and supermarkets nationwide.
Onyeke, who also owns Onward Secondary School Nsukka, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Maduka University. He believes that other universities in the country should adopt similar models to equip their students with the skills needed to become job creators.
“This partnership is a step in the right direction,” Onyeke said. “By equipping students with practical skills, we can ensure that they leave university ready to start their own businesses, rather than searching for jobs.”
The Vice-Chancellor was joined on the inspection tour by Dr. Dan Ochi, Vice President of Business Development at the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The visit marks a significant step in Maduka University’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship among its students, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute positively to Nigeria’s economy upon graduation.
