The Provost of the University of America, Abuja Centre, Prof. Mike Ikupolati, has urged newly graduated PhD holders to deploy their knowledge and expertise towards addressing Nigeria’s leadership challenges and promoting national development.
Ikupolati gave the charge during the institution’s convocation ceremony, where 31 doctoral students graduated from its Abuja Centre.
He identified leadership as one of Nigeria’s major challenges, stressing the need for individuals with integrity, competence and relevant skills to drive positive change in both the public and private sectors.
He said the institution’s doctoral programmes were designed to equip graduates with practical leadership and human resource management skills to improve organisational performance.
“Leadership is one of Nigeria’s major challenges. At our centre, we focus on producing leaders who are academically sound and well-equipped to make a positive difference,” he said.
Ikupolati disclosed that some of the graduates were senior public servants, including directors and deputy directors, while others were entrepreneurs managing their own businesses.
He urged them to believe in Nigeria’s potential and take responsibility for contributing to its development.
Similarly, a PhD graduate, Dr. Roselyn Dalhatu Gora, called for greater investment in women’s entrepreneurial skills to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boost economic growth.
Speaking on her doctoral research, titled “Effects of Women’s Entrepreneurial Skills on the Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises”, she said equipping women with relevant business skills would improve productivity and create economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities.
She identified small-scale food vendors, sachet water sellers and point-of-sale operators as examples of women whose businesses contribute to the grassroots economy.
Dalhatu Gora said her research was driven by the need to help women identify business opportunities, develop their talents and build the confidence to grow their enterprises.
“What makes my approach unique is that the change begins with me. I am not just an entrepreneur or a PhD holder. I want to put my research into practice and lead by example,” she said.