February 2025

The management of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, led by Director Prof. Rashidah Funke O. and her deputy Dr. Taibat Ibrahim, paid a visit to the Emir of Keffi on January 31, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to inform the Emir about the EDC’s plan to extend its services to the host community in Keffi Local Government Council of Nasarawa State. The Director condoled with the Emir over the loss of his wife and prayed for her soul. She then explained that the EDC aims to train youths and women in various skills to reduce unemployment in the society. The centre offers over 30 skills, including technical and soft skills, such as kilishi and suya production, spices, fishery, shoemaking, detergent production, laundry, and throw pillows. The Emir, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, expressed his happiness with the visit and praised the EDC’s empowerment initiatives. He urged the EDC management to collaborate with the skills acquisition centre he established in Keffi, which is coordinated by hajiya Ramatu. The Emir also suggested partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to train corps members and utilize their facilities for effective skills acquisition programs. In conclusion, the Emir promised his full support for the initiative, which focuses on reducing unemployment in society. He welcomed the EDC management to visit him anytime and appreciated the steps they have taken, wishing them a successful tenure.

Mr. Hassan Abdulkarim, the Head of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Nasarawa State, visited the Entrepreneurship Development Centre at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He was warmly received by Director Prof. Rashidah Funke O. Mr. Abdulkarim explained that the purpose of his visit was to discuss empowerment training programs for youths and women in Keffi and its environs. He highlighted that ITF is a federal government scheme that provides training and grants for startups. The ITF has chosen the Entrepreneurship Development Centre and Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa as the centers for the program, which will commence soon. The program will allow participants to choose their preferred skills, and the center will provide resource persons for the program. The ITF will cover the costs of facility usage and facilitators’ stipends. Director Prof. Rashidah Funke O. thanked the ITF for identifying the Entrepreneurship Development Centre for the program. She emphasized that the center’s goal is to promote entrepreneurship and training, focusing on soft skills and technical skills. The center has facilities that can accommodate the program, and Director Prof. Rashidah promised to assemble competent facilitators for effective program execution. The Director urged Mr. Abdulkarim to communicate the program’s start date and details to the center, considering the center’s busy schedule. Mr. Abdulkarim assured the Director that he would communicate the details once they were ready to launch the program. The visit concluded with the Director thanking Mr. Abdulkarim and wishing him a safe trip.

The Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) is set to receive a fresh new look, thanks to a recent directive from the Director. Facilitators Titus and Sladder have been working on a beautiful paint formulation to give the centre a vibrant and welcoming appearance. With the Vice Chancellor’s visit expected anytime soon, the centre is gearing up to make a great impression. Thank you paint making unit 👍