Photo Credit: Institute of Entrepreneurship Development
By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
The President, Ijaw Diaspora Council, Prof. Mondy Selle Gold has urged education industry stakeholders to design curricula that prioritize experiential learning, so as to enable students to engage with live projects, collaborate with start-ups, and navigate real-world challenges.
Prof. Gold, who stated this on November 30, 2024 at Emmanuel University’s 2023/2024 Post-Doctoral Graduation Ceremony, where he gave the keynote address on the topic: “Entrepreneurship Education: Bridging the Academia-Industry gap”, explained that it is not enough for students to learn how to write business plans or analyze case studies.
He emphasized the need to invest in mentorship programs, adding that a Gallup poll revealed that students who had mentors during their academic journey were twice as likely to thrive in their post-graduation careers, as mentorship provides the bridge between theory and practice, offering students insights they cannot glean from textbooks.
Speaking further to educators, administrators, and industry leaders, on the best ways to translate academia-industry collaborations lessons into action to drive innovation and economic growth, he called on universities to deepen partnerships with industries to co-develop programs that reflect the current market landscape, in order to ensure students graduate, not just with theoretical knowledge but with skills that are immediately applicable in the workforce.
He also called for democratization of access to entrepreneurial resources, whether through scholarships, outreach programs, or digital platforms, so as to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to turn their ideas into action.
Furthermore, he stated that; “Entrepreneurship education is more than a curriculum; it is a catalyst for transforming dreams into innovations and challenges into opportunities. It must begin early in our students’ academic journey, supported by universities with robust entrepreneurial ecosystems that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. By bridging the academia-industry gap through internships, mentorships, and project-based learning, we unlock new dimensions of creativity and entrepreneurial success.
“To the daring entrepreneurs among us: your success will not hinge on the privileges of your starting point but on the resilience, ingenuity, and audacity you bring to the process. Embrace the risks, disrupt the norms, and find opportunities where others see obstacles. Remember, the tools you have honed in education are your compass; the challenges of the industry, your proving ground.
“To the educators and industry leaders: the time is now to reimagine education as a launchpad, not merely for careers but for movements that innovate and inspire. Let us build a bridge between the ivory tower and the dynamic marketplace, creating partnerships that push the boundaries of what’s possible”, he stated.
The Ijaw Diaspora Council President stressed that entrepreneurship is more than a profession—it is a call to envision, to lead, and to leave an indelible mark. “Together, we can construct a world where academia and industry are seamless collaborators in crafting solutions that shape a brighter, more equitable future”.
Concluding, he said, “To all the graduates, honored guests, dedicated staff, and esteemed faculty—especially Dr. Edward Agbai, Dr. Anastasia Ashi, Dr. Kenneth Klutse, Dr. Richard Rignall, and Dr. Sheila Bassoppo-Moyo—thank you for being leaders of this remarkable journey. Let us go forth with boldness, for the future belongs to those who dare to build it”.
