By Adewole Muizdeen

The Director of the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre (TEC), University of Ilorin, Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem, has praised the management of the University for launching the Unilorin-Inspire (U-Inspire) initiative and the Tech Innovation Summit,saying that the platforms have enabled young innovators to showcase their talents and equip graduates with skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.

Prof. Raheem who made this observation while taking part in a UNILORIN FM programme last Thursday (December 18, 2025, noted that the initiative has helped many young Nigerians become job creators rather than job seekers.

He emphasised that no government can create jobs for all its citizens, but that a lot can be achieved through Public Private Partnership (PPP)

Since its inception 17 years ago, Prof. Raheem said that TEC has trained over 204,000 individuals in 83 professional courses, focusing on practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset.

Prof. Raheem attributed this achievement to the Centre’s approach, which enables graduates to become job creators.

Despite the magnitude of progress, Prof. Raheem acknowledged that limited funding remains a major challenge and called on individuals and organisations to partner with the Centre. He highlighted the effort of the University of Ilorin to empower graduates, including U-Inspire and the Tech Innovation Summit.

The Director projected that the University of Ilorin will emerge as Nigeria’s leading University, rank among Africa’s top 10, and feature among the world’s top 500 universities within the next decade. He advised students to acquire skills and knowledge, saying, “Ensure that you’re loaded; for you to be needed.”