The Plateau State Government has encouraged students and other young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to economic growth, urging them to develop skills that will enable them to create jobs and contribute to national development.
The government said entrepreneurship, trade and industrialisation remain critical drivers of economic transformation, stressing that young people should take advantage of available opportunities and support programmes to build sustainable businesses instead of relying solely on paid employment.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Nyalun, stated this during a Business Parley with Industry, Policy Drivers, Lecturers and Students of the Departments of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, where he delivered a guest lecture titled, “Driving Economic Growth Through Trade, Industrialization and Entrepreneurship.”
Speaking at the event on Monday, Nyalun said states must now drive economic growth through private-sector investment, innovation and productivity, noting that Plateau possesses enormous economic potential through its fertile agricultural land, solid minerals, tourism and youthful population.
He outlined the Mutfwang administration’s economic priorities, including sustainable economic rebirth, private-sector-led growth, MSME development, infrastructure expansion and youth empowerment. He added that Plateau’s ranking as the sixth state on Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business Index reflects the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The commissioner also highlighted key initiatives of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, including the proposed redevelopment of the Terminus Shopping Mall, market modernisation, standardisation of weights and measures, and collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to boost industrial development.
He further identified the ₦4 billion Plateau State–Bank of Industry matching fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a major intervention designed to improve access to finance, strengthen capacity and expand market opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Nyalun encouraged young people to acquire skills in leadership, financial literacy, digital technology, data analysis and artificial intelligence, saying challenges such as limited infrastructure and financing should be viewed as opportunities for innovation rather than barriers to success.
During the interactive session, the commissioner responded to questions on business financing, industrial policy and youth empowerment, while encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, including women, to leverage government platforms such as the State Committee on Export Promotion, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council’s Zonal Office in Plateau State and the Technology Incubation Centre, Jos, for mentorship, agro-processing and export support.
Speaking in an interview, the Head of the Department of Business Administration, Associate Professor Reuel Dakung, said the parley was organised to bridge the gap between academia and industry while inspiring students towards entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Dakung noted that theory-based education alone is no longer sufficient, stressing the need to expose students to industry so they graduate with the skills and mindset required to create jobs rather than seek them.
Other lecturers, including Dr Aderonke Folagbade, Chioma Susan and Ovey Alex, commended the collaboration between the department and the ministry, describing the engagement as insightful and beneficial.
The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government, industry and academia through research partnerships, internships and innovation hubs, while participants were encouraged to develop viable business ideas and take advantage of opportunities available in Plateau State.