The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has reiterated his administration’s determination to strengthen entrepreneurship and skill acquisition among staff, students, and the host community.

Professor Sulaiman gave the assurance when he received members of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (Lapai Branch) who paid him a courtesy visit.

The Vice Chancellor noted that entrepreneurship remains one of the pillars of IBBUL’s development agenda, adding that the Institution’s Centre for Innovation and the School of Entrepreneurship are positioned to drive skills training and create opportunities for economic empowerment.

“Our vision is to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with practical skills to become job creators. That is why we welcome partnerships with unions such as yours to expand the frontiers of training in tailoring, garment production, and related fields,” Professor Sulaiman said.

“The University will continue to support initiatives that empower youths and provide sustainable livelihoods for our communities,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Lapai Branch of the Union, Comrade Abubakar Na’ibi, congratulated the Vice Chancellor on his achievements and expressed appreciation for the administration’s openness to staff welfare.

Comrade Na’ibi commended the Vice Chancellor for the remarkable progress achieved under his leadership and sought closer collaboration with the University.

He appealed to the Management of the University to assist the Union in training young people who will later serve as trainers in the tailoring industry.

“Our Union is dedicated to preparing children and youths with the skills to stand on their own. But we face challenges in sustaining these trainings. We believe with the support of IBB University, this challenge can be turned into an opportunity for greater development,” Comrade Na’ibi stated.

Also speaking, a member of the Union’s Board of Trustees, Usman Batako, lauded the progress of the University under Professor Sulaiman’s watch. He noted that staff enjoy a sense of inclusion and encouragement.

“We are happy with the way the administration is handling the affairs of the University. As a staff, I feel privileged and proud to be associated with this leadership. We see brighter prospects for collaboration with our Union,” Batako remarked.

In his vote of thanks, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Salihu Ewugi, commended the Union for their show of solidarity and assured them of the University’s continued cooperation.

“We thank the textile workers’ Union for their goodwill,” Professor Ewugi said.

According to him, the University values every partnership and every stakeholder assuring that the doors of the Institution remain open for collaboration that benefits both staff and students.