In a bold step towards addressing the deepening unemployment crisis in Nigeria, Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG) has established Career and Entrepreneurship Centres across its campuses to empower students with practical skills and entrepreneurial training.
The centres, officially launched at a well-attended ceremony on Friday at the university’s main campus, are designed to function as innovation hubs providing students and graduates with hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to job placement services and startup support.
A Vision Beyond Certificates
In her keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of BASUG, Professor Fatimah Tahir, emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian universities to evolve beyond their traditional academic mandates.
“We are at a point where universities must do more than award degrees. It is imperative that we actively prepare our students to be job creators, not just job seekers,” she stated. “Our Career and Entrepreneurship Centres are a deliberate response to the realities of the Nigerian labour market.”
According to her, the initiative aligns with national development goals, including the Federal Government’s policy on youth empowerment and the integration of entrepreneurship education into tertiary curricula.
What the Centres Will Offer
Each centre is equipped to provide a range of services, including:
- Career advisory and counselling for students and alumni.
- Skill-building workshops on digital literacy, business planning, communication, and leadership.
- Internship and job placement services through partnerships with corporate and public sector organizations.
- Entrepreneurship development programs designed to guide students in starting and sustaining small businesses.
- Access to funding opportunities, business incubation, and industry mentorship.
The centres are also expected to serve as research and training grounds for innovations tailored to local economic needs, particularly in agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy.
Student and Stakeholder Reactions
Students have responded enthusiastically to the initiative, seeing it as a critical bridge between academic learning and real-world challenges. Zainab Musa, a final-year student of Business Administration, called the centres “a game-changer.”
“Many of us worry about what comes next after school. This centre gives me hope that I can actually build something of my own not just chase after jobs that aren’t there,” she said.
Staff members and external stakeholders also expressed optimism. Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma, Head of the Department of Economics, noted that the centres would help integrate soft skills with academic training, increasing the competitiveness of BASUG graduates.
The Bauchi State Government, represented at the event by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Aminu Sulaiman, commended the university for its proactive approach, pledging support for sustainability through state-led youth empowerment programs.
A Broader National Challenge
Youth unemployment remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic issues. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 40% of Nigerians aged 15–34 are either unemployed or underemployed. Experts warn that without coordinated efforts from educational institutions, governments, and the private sector, the situation could further deteriorate.
In this context, BASUG’s innovation-oriented centres have drawn attention as a model other institutions could replicate.
Educational economist Dr. Rukayat Bello from Ahmadu Bello University described the initiative as “a necessary reimagination of the university’s role in national development.”
“We can no longer rely solely on outdated pedagogies. Universities must actively produce solution-oriented graduates,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As BASUG rolls out its Career and Entrepreneurship Centres, the university is also initiating collaborations with NGOs, international development agencies, and corporate bodies to enrich its offerings and scale impact.
Vice-Chancellor Tahir reiterated that the university is committed to monitoring the centres’ effectiveness through regular assessments and feedback mechanisms.
“This is not just a project; it’s a long-term strategy. We want BASUG to be known not just for academic excellence, but for empowering lives,” she concluded.
source: guardian.ng
