The two-day intensive program, which commenced on July 25 to 26, 2025 in Abakaliki, focused on equipping students with business skills that enable them to thrive economically while maintaining academic and professional standards.
Speaking during the opening session, the Forum’s Chairman, Barr. Chinedu Nwuze, described the initiative as a strategic response to rising unemployment and the need for students to become value creators.
“Entrepreneurship is no longer optional—it is a survival skill. This training is designed to help students not only pay their way through school but also build something sustainable that can fund their future," he said.
Nwuze emphasized that the program aligns with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs, which prioritizes education, youth empowerment, and skill acquisition.
According to him, the forum aims to raise a new generation of student entrepreneurs who can seamlessly merge professional aspirations with financial independence.
Participants received practical lessons on idea development, business planning, startup funding, financial literacy, and navigating legal business frameworks.
These skills, organizers believe, will help students transition from theoretical learning to real-world income-generating ventures.
The Chairman of the Skill Acquisition Program, Comrade Alfred Nwuruku criticized the existing gap between academic entrepreneurship courses and hands-on experience.
“What we offer here is direct exposure to entrepreneurship. It’s about turning knowledge into income without compromising academic goals,” he said.
Immaculate Ibe, Development Centre Coordinator of Afikpo North-East and a Guest Speaker at the event, encouraged resilience and hard work.
Sharing her personal story of selling charcoal and fruit to support her education, the Coordinator said, “Professional success doesn’t exclude entrepreneurship. Students can build both side-by-side.”
The SUG President of Ebonyi State University, Comrade Aliede Victor Aliede, described the forum’s initiative as inspiring. “This is a wake-up call for students to diversify their focus. Education is important, but so is economic survival," he hinted.
Some of the beneficiaries of the program including Comrade Ernest Nwobashi from Ebonyi State School of Science and Technology, Ngbo and Miss Bethel Nwuze of EBSU, among others testified that the program shifted their mindset.
They pledged continued mentorship and support, vowing to institutionalize the training as a recurring platform for grooming student entrepreneurs who balance books with business in their schools and beyond.
