The Anambra State Government has partnered with UNIZIK Business School to strengthen entrepreneurship, improve skills development, and enhance service delivery through closer collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
This strategic partnership took centre stage at the Quarterly Business Roundtable held on March 31, 2026, in Awka, where key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector gathered to align efforts towards building a more innovative and skills-driven economy in the state.
Representing the state government, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to leveraging institutional partnerships to drive sustainable development. According to him, “the government is deliberate about creating platforms that bring together critical stakeholders to address gaps in skills, innovation, and service delivery.” He noted that the collaboration with UNIZIK Business School reflects a broader vision of integrating knowledge with practical governance outcomes.
The Director of UNIZIK Business School, Prof. P.V.C Okoye, described the partnership as a bridge between theory and practice. “This roundtable provides a unique convergence point where academic research meets industry realities. It is through such engagements that we can translate ideas into measurable impact,” he said. He added that the institution is committed to supporting youth empowerment, technical development, and research-driven solutions that respond directly to societal needs.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ike Odumodu, stressed the importance of moving beyond discussions to implementation. “What matters now is action. The ideas are there, the frameworks are emerging, but we must begin to execute pilot projects that will demonstrate real progress,” he stated. He pointed to initiatives such as Igba Boi and the “One Youth, Two Skills” programme as practical models that can be scaled through this partnership.
In his keynote address, Prof. Osita Ogbu emphasised that entrepreneurship must be grounded in real-world application. “Entrepreneurship is not theory-based; it is practice-driven. Researchers must be empowered to provide solutions that directly address societal challenges,” he said, calling for deeper synergy between government institutions and academic bodies.
Dr. Ibezim, who represented Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, further highlighted the administration’s long-term vision. “The Governor came into office with a clear roadmap for development. Institutionalising platforms like this ensures continuity, accountability, and measurable outcomes,” he noted, while commending the organisers for fostering meaningful dialogue.
The roundtable, organised in collaboration with the Awka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, also featured contributions from senior government officials and academic leaders, all reinforcing the need for sustained collaboration to drive innovation, build human capital, and improve public service delivery across Anambra State.
