UNILAG Students Spark Entrepreneurial Revolution at Global Skillshift Conference 2025
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), widely celebrated for its vibrant culture of innovation and skill development, once again reaffirmed its status as a breeding ground for transformative ideas as students hosted the Global Skillshift Conference 2025. The high-impact event, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Resources Centre (AMDRC), UNILAG, brought together young minds determined to redefine Africa’s place in the global economy.
Akahi News gathered that the conference was conceived as a bold response to the growing need for mindset transformation, practical skills acquisition, and entrepreneurial thinking among African youths navigating an increasingly competitive global landscape.
A Vision to Raise Job Creators, Not Job Seekers
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the conference, Mr. Abdul-Basit Ebunoluwa, described the Global Skillshift Conference 2025 as a transformative summit designed to equip young Africans with the mindset, skills, and opportunities required to thrive beyond borders.
According to him, the core mission of the initiative is to transition students from being mere job seekers to becoming confident job creators, capable of solving real-world problems and generating sustainable impact.
“Students must be encouraged to think boldly, act strategically, and build solutions that matter,” Ebunoluwa noted, stressing that entrepreneurship should no longer be viewed as an alternative path but as a viable and essential engine of economic growth.
The event attracted a diverse audience of experts, academics, students, and members of staff of UNILAG, including the Deputy Dean II, Students Affairs Division, Dr. Abdulganiy Ridwanulahi Iyanda, whose presence underscored the institution’s support for student-led innovation initiatives.
Keynote Address: Writing Africa into the Rules of Global Business
Setting the intellectual tone for the conference, the keynote speaker and supply-chain expert, Engineer Akin-Olugbade, delivered a thought-provoking address titled “The Untold Blueprint: How Africa’s Boldest Minds Can Write the Rules of Global Business.”
Engineer Akin-Olugbade emphasised that success is rarely accidental, describing it instead as the product of deliberate, consistent effort sustained over time. Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, the founder of Kawal Technologies referred to the early stages of business as “silent auditions” — a period marked by pressure, discomfort, and relentless challenges that often go unnoticed by the public.
He explained that many founders initially operate as generalists, wearing multiple hats, before evolving into specialists and eventually recruiting domain experts in areas such as sales, marketing, and technology to scale their ventures effectively. Citing strategic partnerships adopted by established firms like Julius Berger Nigeria, he illustrated how collaboration and long-term thinking can drive sustainable growth while creating meaningful industry impact.
Panel Sessions Spotlight Employability and Academic Balance
The conference also featured two engaging panel sessions and a hands-on Career Clinic, all designed to address critical challenges confronting young Africans.
The first panel session, themed “The Employability Gap: Why Skilled Africans Still Struggle to Get Jobs,” brought together seasoned professionals who offered candid insights into the realities of today’s job market. Moderated by Halimat Amzat, the panel featured Olufunto Okuboyejo (Head of Digital Marketing/IT at First Ally Capital), Mr. Tofunmi Okedeji (Co-Founder of Axia Africa), and Nnanna Kalu (Cloud Solutions Architect at Huawei Nigeria).
Panelists spoke extensively on the mismatch between academic qualifications and industry expectations, urging students to prioritise practical skills, adaptability, and continuous learning in order to remain globally competitive. Akahi News learnt that the session resonated strongly with participants, many of whom engaged the speakers with probing questions about career positioning and professional growth.
The second panel session, “The Smart Start: Building Dreams Without Sacrificing Education,” focused on striking a balance between academic responsibilities and entrepreneurial ambition. Speakers included David Mark, a Computer Science student of UNILAG and software engineer, alongside Odunayo James, a medical student of Olabisi Onabanjo University and founder of Virtual Media Agency.
Their stories inspired students to pursue innovative ideas responsibly, demonstrating that academic excellence and entrepreneurship can coexist when managed with discipline and clear priorities.
Career Clinic: Building Personal Brands for Global Relevance
Tagged “Brand Yourself,” the Career Clinic was facilitated by Kayode Balikis, Co-Founder of Job Bus Stop. The interactive session equipped participants with practical tools for personal branding, effective communication of value, and strategic self-positioning in competitive professional environments.
Attendees were guided on how to tell compelling career stories, leverage digital platforms, and present themselves as solutions to organisational challenges rather than just applicants seeking opportunities.
SkillShift Innovation Challenge Showcases Africa’s Creative Power
The undisputed highlight of the Global Skillshift Conference 2025 was the SkillShift Innovation Challenge (SIC), a dynamic competition that celebrated creativity, critical thinking, and real-time problem-solving. Unlike conventional contests, SIC placed emphasis on ideas as the ultimate product and the participant’s voice as the most powerful asset.
Contestants were challenged to identify pressing real-world problems, think under pressure, and propose practical, scalable solutions within limited timeframes. The exercise tested clarity of thought, originality, and the ability to articulate innovative ideas convincingly — hallmarks of a true entrepreneurial mindset.
After an intense and closely contested session, Mr. Abdulwakeel Kesington and Oyeyipo Emmanuel emerged as joint winners. Toyobo Damilola secured second place, while Israel Olorunfemi finished third.
The challenge was adjudicated by the President of the Provident Green Club of Lagos, Mr. Eke Njoku, who commended the participants for demonstrating the creativity, courage, and confidence required to transform ideas into tangible societal impact.
A New Chapter for Student-Led Innovation
Observers believe that the Global Skillshift Conference 2025 marks a significant step in redefining how students perceive careers, success, and global relevance. By blending inspiration with practical engagement, the conference offered more than motivation — it provided a roadmap for action.
As universities across Africa grapple with the challenge of preparing graduates for an uncertain future, initiatives like this underscore the power of student-led platforms in shaping resilient, innovative, and globally competitive minds.
For more in-depth reports and youth-focused innovation stories, readers are encouraged to stay connected with Akahi News.
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