The Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 held its 1st International Conference on Innovation and Product Exhibition at the S. B. Mohammed Auditorium, School of Postgraduate Studies. Themed “Innovative Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: Charting the Global Economic Future”, the conference brought together traditional leaders, scholars, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from within and outside the country.
In her opening address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman (Fellow; UNESCO, ACLS, FIIFP, CBER), welcomed dignitaries and guests, commending the organizers and exhibitors for making the event a reality. She emphasized the timeliness of the theme, noting that nations today face challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, rapid technological change, and shifting labor dynamics. Professor Liman reaffirmed NSUK’s commitment to serving as a hub for innovative ideas, industry partnerships, and youth empowerment while declaring the exhibition open.
The Dean, Faculty of Administration, Professor Abdullahi D. Zubairu described the event as a milestone achievement, lauding it as a platform for exchanges of ideas, product showcasing, and international collaboration. He encouraged participants to actively engage and explore pathways toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
In her welcome remarks, the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Monica N. expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, university management, and colleagues for their support. She described the conference as a significant step in achieving the department’s mission to foster creativity and enterprise development while equipping students with practical skills for today’s evolving business environment.
Delivering goodwill messages, the Emir of Keffi, HRH Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, CON, represented by Tafidan Keffi, and HRH Lawrence Ayih JP, Abaga Toni II, both commended the university’s leadership and highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in building legacies, creating sustainable solutions, and shaping future economic breakthroughs.
The conference featured thought-provoking presentations, including a lead paper by Professor Muhammad Akaro Mainoma, former NSUK’s ViceChancellor, and a keynote address by Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, Executive Director of Planning, IMANI Group. Both stressed the importance of shifting from traditional entrepreneurship to innovative models that integrate technology and sustainability to tackle unemployment and drive growth.
In a virtual keynote from Poland, Dr. Martyna Wronka-Pospiech of the University of Economics, Katowice, highlighted the rise of social enterprises as drivers of the circular economy, decarbonization, and local food systems. She described them as emerging agents of systemic change that advance both environmental and social sustainability.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Vincent Paul delivered the vote of thanks, praising the Vice-Chancellor’s visionary leadership and appreciating all participants for their commitment to the success of the conference.
The highlight of the event was the innovation exhibition where students of the department showcased original products reflecting creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The Vice-Chancellor and invited guests toured the displays before the session concluded with a commemorative group photograph.
