The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has advised the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) to establish free trade zones on university campuses.
This came after a meeting between ACCI, NEPZA and Abuja University Vice-Councillor Professor Na’Allah Abdulrasheed, where he stated that when this is achieved at his university, he will challenge other campuses in Nigeria to take up the same task. .
Professor Na’Allah praised the partnership between ACCI and the University of Abuja, stating that they cannot achieve their goals without working with industry players like ACCI.
He said the team’s aim is to mobilize young minds for national development, adding that the free zone, when established, will focus on mining, agriculture, tourism and the Nollywood industry.
“This move was made necessary to empower University students to become employers of labor after graduation.”
In June 2021, the University of Abuja partnered with ACCI to enhance knowledge sharing and promote innovation and capacity building.
Immediate Past President of ACCI and Chairman of the ACCI/UofA Committee, Mr. Adekunbo Kayode, in his remarks, stated that ACCI was in full alignment to make the education system sustainable, adding that this collaboration will help the institution to to be able to raise income and be a center of research opportunities.
“Globally, universities have initiatives for commercialization. We have laid the foundation for a long-term investment with thousands of students on campus and plenty of opportunity and space for development,” he said.
He requested that NEPZA support the initiative and also channel interest to the government.
The host of the meeting, MD/CEO NEPZA, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, stated that the commercialization of activities in universities was crucial for national development.
He said that the proximity of the university is an additional advantage, as he called on other higher education institutions to emulate the school in the project of national industrialization and economic development.
Teacher. Adesugba also said that universities could bring research to industry, and that can create job opportunities.
“It is a value chain where everyone is reached, innovation is guaranteed and value is shared. You have to provide the right technology and a proper plan to take over, and the UofA can become the richest university in the world if it’s accomplished,” the don said.
At the request of the VC, Prof. Adesugba said that they would make it a flagship project of this government and they formed a committee for its launch.