Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has urged African governments and financial institutions to make affordable finance and business support available to young people, arguing that entrepreneurship cannot flourish on encouragement alone. His message was delivered at the maiden convocation of the University of Offa in Kwara State by Ghana’s High Commissioner designate to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu. Speaking on the theme of turning academic qualifications into enterprise, Mahama said graduates needed access to capital, efficient payment systems, markets, infrastructure and practical opportunities to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
He called on universities to place greater emphasis on problem solving, digital skills, innovation and links with industry. Institutions should help students move promising projects from classrooms and laboratories into commercial ventures through mentorship and incubation. University of Offa Vice Chancellor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade said the institution produced 140 first degree graduates at its first convocation. The university, licensed in 2021 and opened in 2022, had expanded from two faculties and 10 programmes to four faculties and 17 programmes. The vice chancellor reported growth in student admissions and outlined plans to introduce additional courses, including law and public health.
Despite those developments, Gbolagade said the institution required further investment in teaching facilities, accommodation, health sciences infrastructure, a library, sports facilities and other campus projects. Mahama’s message underscored a wider challenge for African higher education: preparing graduates for a labour market in which formal jobs are limited, while ensuring that those encouraged to start businesses can actually obtain the finance and support needed to succeed.
