April 23, 2026

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the university’s Convocation Square was transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and tradition for the INNOFEST 2.0 and Heritage Expo. Organized by the Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC), the event operated under the theme “Celebrating Creativity, Culture, and Commerce,” drawing a large crowd of students, faculty, and industrial partners.The program commenced with a display of national and school pride through the singing of anthems, followed by an address from the Director of the EDC, Professor Rashidah Funke Olanrewaju. In her opening remarks, Professor Olaruaju emphasized the center’s leap into the future through digital transformation, revealing that the EDC has moved away from manual processes to implement automated attendance, repositioning, and student feedback systems to ensure total transparency and precision.A Powerhouse of Self-Reliance The scale of the EDC’s impact was a central highlight of the morning. The Director announced that the center has successfully trained over 9,000 students across its various locations, including Gudi and Lafia. “We are turning the center into a powerhouse of self-reliance,” Professor Rashidah stated, a point she personally illustrated by wearing a dress designed entirely by her own students and staff.Furthering this mission of practical empowerment, the event featured the groundbreaking ceremony for Prince Interior and EDC vocational Training Workshop and showroom for Furntures. Described as a “factory of opportunity,” this new partnership is set to train more than 500 professional furniture makers every semester, allowing the university to eventually source its furniture from in-house student talent.Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. K’tso Nghargbu officially declared the expo open, urging students to maximize the EDC’s training to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This sentiment was echoed by guest speakers who provided sobering statistics on the importance of the sector. The guest speaker Prof. Ganiyat Othman noted that Nigeria is home to over 39 million MSMEs, which account for 96% of all businesses in the country and contribute a staggering 84% to the national GDP.Culture and Craftsmanship on Display The atmosphere turned festive during a lively cultural segment, where various tribes performed traditional dances. In a moment of high excitement, the Director herself joined the cultural display, adding a personal touch to the celebration of heritage.Following the performances, dignitaries embarked on an inspection tour to view the results of the students’ intensive six-week training programs. The tour showcased projects ranging from innovative fashion designs to new business ideas, demonstrating the practical potential of the student.Looking Ahead: The Ideation Hub The event concluded with an outlook on the future of the university’s curriculum. Professor Rashidah announced the upcoming launch of an “Ideation Hub,” intended as a sanctuary where students with “crazy sparks” can find the tools and mentorship to scale their ideas into businesses. Additionally, the university is moving toward a skill-integrated curriculum, ensuring students master a craft from their very first day of study until graduation.As the event drew to a close, the Director expressed her immense satisfaction with the students’ achievements, marking INNOFEST 2.0 as a successful fusion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride