Unizik Seeks Key Partnerships for Talent and Growth
By Ndife David, Awka
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School has called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, and academia to accelerate human capital development and economic growth in Anambra State.
The call was made during its maiden Quarterly Business Roundtable, held recently at the UNIZIK Business School Hall.
The event, themed “Anambra Triple Helix System: University–Industry–Government Alignment,” brought together policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders to chart a path toward sustainable growth.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Business School, Prof. Pius V. C. Okoye, described collaboration as a critical driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation. He noted that no single sector can achieve meaningful development in isolation.
Prof. Okoye explained that the roundtable was designed to support the state government’s industrialisation agenda by engaging entrepreneurs, SMEs, artisans, and innovators.
He stressed that such engagement would help create a shared vision for economic advancement.
He further highlighted the relevance of the Triple Helix model, describing it as a framework that converts academic research into commercial value. According to him, the model bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
The Director added that the approach would enable universities to tailor curricula to industry needs while equipping students with practical skills, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
This, he said, would significantly enhance graduate employability.
Prof. Okoye remarked that sustained commitment to the Triple Helix framework would position Anambra for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
He maintained that strategic execution remains key to achieving tangible results.
Delivering the lead paper, Prof. Osita Ogbu underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving development outcomes.
He called for stronger institutional support systems linking academia, government, and the private sector.
Prof. Ogbu emphasized that development requires coordinated policies and deliberate investment in research and innovation.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise knowledge-driven growth strategies.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, commended the initiative, describing it as timely.
He challenged the university to produce graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Dr. Ibezim called for deeper partnerships between the university and government across sectors such as construction, healthcare, agriculture, and human capital development.
He stressed that such collaboration would accelerate the state’s transformation agenda.
He also proposed the immediate establishment of an Anambra Incubation Committee comprising representatives from academia, industry, and government.
The committee, he said, would develop strategies for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and revenue generation.
In his remarks, Engr. Emeka Okafor, CEO of Orbital Creation, noted that government alone cannot drive development.
He advocated a collective responsibility involving private investors and academic institutions.
Engr. Okafor encouraged the mobilisation of local financial resources, particularly among wealthy individuals in the state. He stressed that a government–community–individual partnership model would yield faster and more sustainable results.
Drawing parallels with global development models, he maintained that collaboration remains the most effective pathway to rapid progress. He added that Anambra possesses both the human and financial resources required for transformation.
Former Ambassador to Burundi, Dr. Elijah Onyeagba, highlighted the need to redesign university curricula to address future challenges. He stressed the importance of aligning education with emerging economic realities.
Dr. Onyeagba also advocated increased industry funding for research and development, noting that such investments would strengthen innovation capacity and bridge existing gaps between theory and practice.
Amb. Onyeagba further emphasized that Anambra’s urban-driven economy requires deliberate innovation and synergy. According to him, equipping students with both academic knowledge and practical skills will ensure a seamless transition into the workforce and enhance overall productivity.
Among the Special Guests of Honour were the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake; former Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu; the Accountant-General for Local Government, Anambra State, Dr. Nneoma Muogbo; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lovebite and Beverages Ltd, Mr. Innocent Nwosu. They collectively maintained that sustainable development can only be achieved through deliberate investment in human capital, strengthened institutional partnerships, and policies that support enterprise growth and productivity.
The stakeholders underscored the critical role of collaboration among academia, government, and industry in building a skilled workforce capable of meeting contemporary economic demands. They emphasized that fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity building remains central to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
