By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) to encourage more entrepreneurship enterprises to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, the Coordinator of NAFDAC in Kwara, gave the advice on Monday while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the Technical Entrepreneur Centre (TEC) Get together at the institution on Monday.
He congratulated the management of the university over the licensing of the University’s Hand Sanitiser by the agency.
He said: “When the University approached me and told me that they have a product that they want to register, I thought it was one of those academic talks but as they came consistently, I could see the passion and I called to ask if they really meant it and they said yes. It was a very wonderful thing,” he said.
Azikiwe however explained that the licence, which is for a period of five years registration, would include an annual assessment to make sure that the quality was maintained, consistently manufactured and continuously following the laid-down instrument and use of personnel.
He encouraged the centre to bring more products, adding that the “agency will support them by the grace of God”.
According to him, the university is getting involved in such entrepreneurial skills for the first time.
The coordinator described Unilorin TEC’s involvement in students’ entrepreneurship training as what the country needs, stressing that the students’ gain will assist them to be self-reliant.
“This is my first time of seeing such entrepreneurial teaching, even though the centre tried to explain what they are doing. Honestly, I did not expect it to come out like this.
“I personally decided to come and see how I can support the University in what they are doing and I can see that it is innovative.
“That is what the country needs now because when the students have entrepreneurial skills, it boosts their confidence,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Peter Adeoye, the Director of TEC, said that a meeting was conducted by the Board of TEC in conjunction with the students to put in all their efforts to win at least one of the prizes in the agricultural sector, creative industry, information and communication sector, and science and technology.
Adeoye said that the event was to showcase what students have been able to do while they undertook the GSE course so as to be able to assess where they are, know what was needed to be done and do greater exploits.
The director said that it was also an opportunity to relax and have a memorable evening.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director of TEC, Dr Sikirah Ahmed, appreciated all invited guests, the students, especially the Performing Art students and all spectators.
While analysing the challenges facing the centre, Ahmed urged the management to make available more facilities.
She said that the course would help graduates of the university to be self-employed, and generally be able to stand on their own after graduation.
Highlights of the event included drama presentations by the 300 level students of the Performing Arts Department, documentary displays of the TEC products, film shows and stand-up comedy.
NAN
