KWASU Empowers 15 Women Graduates with Tools for Business Growth. On October 2nd, 2024, the Centre for Women Development and Entrepreneurship at Kwara State University (KWASU) celebrated the graduation of its 3rd cohort, comprising fifteen women who received essential skills and tools for entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to empower women in the community and foster sustainable business growth.
Highlights of the Graduation Ceremony
The graduation event showcased the commitment of KWASU to empowering women and enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. Graduates received certificates and various tools to mark the completion of their training, which focused on practical vocational skills.
Vice-Chancellor’s Encouragement to Graduates
Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, addressed the graduates, encouraging them to act as ambassadors for both the university and their communities. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the skills and resources gained from the programme to uplift themselves and contribute positively to society.
Professor Jimoh highlighted that the Centre was established to provide vocational training aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and job creation for women. He also announced the expansion of the initiative, mentioning that while the Akerebiata Centre was the first training hub, two additional centres have since been established in other senatorial districts.
Plans are currently underway to set up a fourth centre, and the number of participants in future cohorts will increase from 15 to 20.
Advice from the Committee Chairman
Professor Mubaraq Sanni, Chairman of the Committee for the Centres for Women Development, encouraged the graduates to seize the opportunities presented during their training. He stressed the significance of leveraging their newly acquired skills to enhance their lives and uplift their communities.
Presentation of Empowerment Tools
The graduation ceremony included the distribution of various empowerment tools, essential for supporting the graduates in their entrepreneurial ventures. Notable presentations included:
- Industrial sewing machines for those in fashion and tailoring.
- Android phones to aid in marketing their products online.
Additionally, three graduates were recognized for their outstanding performance throughout the training, receiving cash prizes and certificates of excellence for being the most disciplined, enterprising, and impactful among their peers.
Conclusion
The Centre for Women Development and Entrepreneurship at KWASU continues to make significant strides in equipping women with the necessary skills to thrive in business. This initiative not only enhances individual capabilities but also contributes to the economic empowerment of the broader community, promoting entrepreneurship as a means of sustainable development.
