As Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, prepares for the full resumption of second semester academic activities, the Institution is set to unveil a new phase in its entrepreneurship drive with the immediate launch of its university run bakery, confectionery, and sachet and bottled water production Units at the Centre for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development (CEID).

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, announced this while addressing a delegation from GIZ COPA at the University.

He emphasized the Institution’s readiness to integrate practical skill acquisition into the campus experience.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the initiative is part of a broader intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), aimed at promoting entrepreneurship education and fostering economic self-reliance among Nigerian university students.

“We are pleased to announce that the University Bakery and Water production projects are now ready to commence operations. These facilities are not just business ventures but learning hubs that will equip our students with hands-on skills in food processing, packaging, branding, and business management,” he said.

He added that the development aligns with IBBUL’s long term strategy to reposition academic training with practical and entrepreneurial relevance. The new Units will also serve as platforms for internships, industrial training, and research for students in related disciplines.

He then congratulated the Centre for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development (CEID) for the milestone achievement.

The Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Development, Professor Idris Ndagi, commended the Vice Chancellor for his visionary leadership, describing the new ventures as a “giant step forward” in making IBBUL a model for enterprise-driven education.

“These are not just academic add-ons. They are deliberate, strategic components of the University’s mission to prepare graduates for the real world, ” he noted.

The new production Units are also expected to generate internal revenue for the University while creating temporary employment opportunities for skilled students and staff.

With the academic calendar set to resume fully in the coming weeks, the university community and surrounding towns are already expressing optimism that the renewed entrepreneurial focus will bring fresh energy and innovation to campus life.

In a strategic move to reposition its entrepreneurship education, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, is set to deepen its curriculum through a new partnership with the German Development Agency, GIZ COPA under the Integrated Curriculum for Skills and Startups (ICSS) initiative.

Receiving a delegation from GIZ COPA at the University, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, underscored the urgent need to shift from conventional academic models to skill-based learning that promotes self-reliance and innovation among students.

“Graduates must begin to see themselves not just as job seekers, but as job creators,” Professor Sulaiman declared.

“This is why entrepreneurship must be at the heart of our academic direction. Through initiatives like ICSS and support from agencies like GIZ, we are laying the foundation for a more empowered generation.”

The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that IBBUL had recently received a TETFund intervention dedicated to entrepreneurship development, with projects such as a University Bakery and Table Water production unit designed to offer hands on experience for students and staff.

In his remarks Mr. Pike Bruns, a representative of GIZ COPA, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship education across Nigerian universities.

He said the ICSS curriculum was developed to provide practical business knowledge that goes beyond theory, enabling students to launch viable startups even before graduation.

“We see ICSS as a long-term investment. By collaborating with institutions like IBBUL, we hope to inspire a shift in how universities prepare their graduates not just for the labour market, but for leadership in business and innovation,” Bruns noted

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development, Professor Idris Ndagi, welcomed the partnership as a timely intervention that aligns with the University’s vision. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would enrich the University’s academic offerings and enhance students’ readiness for the dynamic Nigerian economy.

“The ICSS team has shown strong interest in returning for follow-up engagements. We’ve requested their curriculum modules, which will soon be shared with our lecturers and relevant departments to kick-start the next phase of integration,” Professor Ndagi revealed.

The ICSS initiative, supported by GIZ, is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and entrepreneurial practice, offering students the tools to build sustainable businesses from local opportunities. The partnership with IBBUL is expected to significantly boost the University’s capacity to produce self-sufficient graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development.

Following a comprehensive review of security measures and infrastructure improvements, His Excellency, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Executive Governor of Niger State, has approved the immediate reopening of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai. The institution was temporarily closed due to security concerns and the unfortunate loss of lives within the University community.

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman disclosed that Farmer Governor Bago was satisfied with the robust security architecture and infrastructural developments put in place to safeguard students, staff and the University community. Consequently, he has directed that academic activities resume on Monday, 4th August, 2025.

The SSG emphasized the Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of students and staff while ensuring uninterrupted academic progress.

Alhaji Usman commended the collaborative efforts of security operatives, University authorities and community leaders in addressing the challenges that led to the closure.

According to the SSG, “Governor Bago, while approving the reopening, emphasized that the safety and welfare of students and staff remain a top priority for his administration. He reiterated his commitment to education as a cornerstone of development, assuring the University community of the Government’s continued support”.

The statement implored all returning students and staff to adhere strictly to the security protocols and to cooperate fully with University authorities for a smooth and safe resumption.