AFIT ENTRPRENUERSHIP CENTRE CONDUCTS CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP TO ENHANCE THE CONTRIBUTION OF STAFF TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Air Force Institute of Technology, through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development in collaboration with Kadpoly Consult, commenced the 5-day capacity development workshop for staff on 29 September 2025. The workshop with the theme “Advancing Entrepreneurship: Strengthening skills, systems and Leadership impact” serves as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation and national development.
The Commandant, AVM Sani Rabe, who was represented by the Provost of the Institute, Professor Auwal Kasim, declared the workshop open. He stated that the training came at a time when unemployment has ravaged our society with growing need to build the capacity of staff who will impact and prepare the students for future challenges. He emphasized that AFIT staff were expected to be adequately informed in order to effectively guide the students to develop relevant skills before graduation. He stressed the importance of inculcating entrepreneurial skills into the training of students to enhance their survival after graduation especially with the problem of graduate unemployment.
Professor Kasim used the opportunity to express gratitude to the sponsor, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, as well as the organizers, for the well thought out workshop with its enormous benefits. He encouraged participants to take advantage of the rare opportunity given to them to develop their competencies and entrepreneurial skills. He urged them to be resilient and willing to cascade the knowledge gained from the training to other staff for effective service delivery.
The Workshop aligned with the national policy on education to make entrepreneurship a strategic priority in higher education. It was to deepen understanding of the policy frame work that guides work ethics; explore how to design and deliver practical entrepreneurship curricula for both degree and diploma students; provide strategies to foster innovations, creativity and the startup spirit among students; reflect on governance, partnerships and sustainability models for the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development; develop mechanisms for monitoring mentorship and impact tracking that will ensure a lasting difference in the Centre.
Earlier, the Registrar of the Institute, Air Cdre I Shehu, while addressing participants, reiterated the Institutes’ commitment to building academic excellence and entrepreneurial capacity among staff, students and stakeholders. He stated that the workshop was a clear manifestation of the Institute’s resolve to equip participants with the necessary skills and innovative mindset required to thrive in today’s dynamic economic environment.