UEW’s Business Innovation Hub Secures GH₵ 60,000 Support from NPRA
The management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has received a cash donation of GH₵ 60,000 from the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) in support of the university’s Business Innovation Hub, as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment among students.
The NPRA delegation, led by Mrs. Rosina Akrofi, Head of Education and Sensitisation, presented the cheque on Thursday, 6th February, 2025, at the Council Chamber of UEW.
Mrs. Akrofi emphasised NPRA’s broader mission of ensuring financial security through retirement planning while recognising the need to empower the younger generation.
Mrs. Rosina Akrofi also highlighted that NPRA’s involvement in initiatives such as UEW’s Business Incubation Hub aligns with its vision of contributing to national development. She stressed that youth empowerment is critical in ensuring long-term economic stability and preventing future financial hardships.
She reaffirmed NPRA’s support for UEW’s initiative, noting that the sponsorship is part of their efforts to actively participate in meaningful causes that drive economic growth and job creation. “All that we are doing with this sponsorship is to make sure that we are also part of this great cause that UEW is charting with its Business Incubation Hub,” she remarked.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, expressed profound appreciation for the efforts of the NPRA in supporting the university’s Business Innovation Hub. He highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship in tackling unemployment across Ghana, West Africa, and even Asia.
Prof. Mitchual underscored the alarming rate of unemployment, particularly among university graduates. He recounted a personal encounter with a young man in a village who, despite having completed his business studies, was selling ice blocks in the same manner as his mother. He noted that while the business had potential, a lack of innovation and entrepreneurial mindset limited its growth prospects.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that while not everyone is naturally gifted in entrepreneurship, the right training and support can equip students with the necessary skills to thrive as business owners.
Dr. Richard Oduro, Dean of the School of Business at UEW, emphasised the significance of the funding from NPRA in advancing the Hub’s mission to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent within the student body.
Dr. Oduro indicated that UEW’s Business Innovation Hub, officially approved by management last year, introduced a Business Pitch Challenge aimed at discovering and supporting students with innovative business ideas. "The pitch aimed to identify entrepreneurial minds among our students, nurture them, and fund them to start their businesses to reduce unemployment," he explained.
The funding from NPRA marks a significant milestone in UEW’s drive to foster entrepreneurship among its students. With this financial backing, the Business Innovation Hub is well-positioned to continue its mission of equipping students with the skills and capital needed to create sustainable businesses, ultimately contributing to national economic growth and reducing unemployment in Ghana.
