YEMI AJIBOLA
In an effort to deepen the objectives and skills of entrepreneurship among students, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has rewarded the winners of the maiden edition of business plan completion.
The three finalists: Miss Sarah Yakubu, from the Food Technology Department; Mr. Taiwo Oluwanbe from the Department of Mass Communication and Miss Oguntuase Mercy from Computer Science Department had clinched the competition’s requisites and received takeoff prizes.
According to the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Taofeek Kasali, the Business Plan Competition is designed to promote entrepreneurship and culture of business venturing.
He said that the aim was to amplify the classroom entrepreneurial experiences, nurture and ignite entrepreneurial mindset, skills and competences.
Kasali explained that the idea would develop creative and innovative products, services and technologies for the economic transformation of the Polytechnic, the local community, Ogun State and Nigeria.
He added that the first MAPCED – BPC is a strategic planned activity to bring together business-minded students among the students populace with a view to creating viable businesses within the Polytechnic community.
In his remarks, the Acting Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, congratulated the winners for their enterprising spirit and innovations, noting that the Polytechnic would leave no stone unturned to ensure that students developed capacity for successful entrepreneurial activities after their graduation from the institution.
He stated that the Directorate is fulfilling its responsibility on the students, non-students, academic and non-teaching members and members of the host communities.
The Rector said, “I want to congratulate the MAPCED on this innovative idea which appears to be a golden opportunity to transform our society.
“The Management will not rest on its oars in ensuring the stimulation of business culture in the hearts of the student. We are poised to change the landscape of education in total acceptance of the Polytechnic policy.”
He highlighted the vision of the institution as “a reference point in technological, scientific, and entrepreneurial education, accessible to all, for sustainable national development.”
Odedeji urged the winners and other students to tap into the entrepreneurial value chain among themselves and the array of highly educated staff members.
“We will invest the intellectual capacity into our students to prove our credibility. I want to appeal to individuals to support and cooperate for smooth progression,” he said.
While admonishing stakeholders to be law-abiding, focused and innovative, he promised that the Business Plan Competition would become an annual legacy project of the Polytechnic.
.Ajibola is Head, Public Relations & Protocol
pro@mapoly.edu.ng