By Deborah Mdima Adekaa
The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has challenged students of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), to harness their skills and creativity to build businesses capable of competing on the global stage.
Asemakaha said Benue students must move beyond the traditional pursuit of paid employment and embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation as pathways to economic growth and personal development.
He gave the charge while delivering a keynote address titled “Dynamics of the 21st Century Labour Landscape” at the maiden Career Day organised by the university’s Career Service Centre.
The BIPC chief executive cited the success stories of Nigerian technology entrepreneurs behind companies such as Moniepoint, Paystack, Flutterwave, PiggyVest, Kuda Bank, Jobberman and BudgIT, noting that their achievements demonstrate how innovative ideas can grow into successful businesses.
According to him, universities should not only produce graduates seeking employment but also nurture young people with the capacity to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to national development.
He referenced entrepreneurs associated with Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Babcock University and the University of Lagos, urging students to draw inspiration from their achievements.
The Managing Director challenged MOAUM students to position themselves as future innovators, particularly in sectors where Benue State has significant economic potential, including agriculture and technology.
“If OAU can produce Moniepoint, if Babcock can produce Paystack, and if Covenant can produce PiggyVest, why can’t MOAUM produce the next big agro-tech unicorn from Benue?” he asked.
He also cited Benue-born entrepreneur Uka, founder of Agrithrive, as an example of how graduates can apply knowledge acquired in school to develop businesses and create economic opportunities.
The BIPC boss assured students that the company was willing to support competent young people who demonstrate the capacity to innovate, overcome barriers and excel in their chosen fields.
He emphasised that success in today’s labour market increasingly depends on practical skills, creativity and the ability to solve problems, rather than academic qualifications alone.
Referencing the growing number of graduates entering the labour market, Asemakaha noted that the figure, which stood at 16,200 last year according to his remarks, could be higher this year, reinforcing the need for students to prepare for a competitive employment environment.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Timothy Terser Alabar, represented by Professor Joseph Sev, described the Career Day as timely, saying it aligned with the institution’s commitment to equipping students with relevant skills for the changing world of work.
He explained that the university established its Career Service Centre to strengthen students’ competencies and prepare them for life after graduation.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to take advantage of opportunities for skills acquisition while still in school, stressing the importance of practical knowledge in improving their employability and readiness for future challenges.
The event highlighted the need for closer attention to entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development as Benue students prepare to navigate an increasingly competitive labour market.