Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State has charged its students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation with a view to becoming employers of labour rather than job seekers after graduation.
The call was made at the maiden edition of the POISE 2026 event organised by the Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (IPD-CRM) at the University’s Adelaide Hall.
The event designed to reinforce the values and soft skills required for success in both professional and personal life, attracted students, academic and non-academic staff, alumni, community members and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate excellence, leadership and entrepreneurship among students.
Speaking at the event, Kabiru Adeyemo, Professor and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, said the institution remains committed to equipping students with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and the right mindset needed to thrive in a competitive global environment.
According to him, the POISE awards and dinner, which began about 14 years ago, was conceived to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance and leadership among students.
“The programme is specifically designed for our final-year students who have been exposed to various skills and entrepreneurial training over the years. We want our students to be self-reliant, to become job creators and employers of labour rather than job seekers.
“As you can see, many of them have showcased their talents and entrepreneurial abilities. This demonstrates that they possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society and create opportunities for others,” he said.
Adeyemo noted that many alumni of the institution had distinguished themselves as chief executive officers and industry leaders, adding that their achievements reflect the university’s commitment to producing graduates who can compete globally.
Adeyemo also urged other tertiary institutions across the country to adopt similar initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among students.
“We are not in competition with other universities. There is room for collaboration and learning from one another. What is good and beneficial should be replicated for the overall development of higher education in Nigeria,” he said.
Earlier, Ayobami Owolabi, the Head of the Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management, stated that the event was designed to reinforce the values and soft skills required for success in both professional and personal life.
He explained that the institute focuses on shaping students’ character by promoting discipline, effective communication, respect for others, leadership qualities and professional conduct.
“The essence of the programme is to ensure that students put into practice the values and lessons they have acquired over time. Beyond academic excellence, they must demonstrate good character, leadership, proper communication and other soft skills that will distinguish them in society,” he said.
Owolabi stressed that personality development remains a critical factor in achieving success, noting that employers and society increasingly value integrity, professionalism and interpersonal skills.
Also speaking, Lambert Ihebuzor, Professor and the Registrar of the Institution, administered an oath of allegiance on the students, charging them to uphold and promote the ideals and philosophy of the institute and Lead City University.
As part of activities marking the event, students and lecturers who distinguished themselves in entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and professionalism received awards in various categories, including Outstanding Entrepreneurship, Exceptional Leadership, Young CEO Award and Outstanding Dress Sense.
The organisers said the awards were intended to encourage excellence, reward outstanding achievements and inspire students to become responsible leaders and agents of positive change.
The event also featured exhibitions and presentations showcasing students’ entrepreneurial projects and creative talents, underscoring the university’s vision of producing graduates equipped with the skills, values and mindset required to drive economic growth and national development.
