UEW’s School of Business Hosts Seminar on Entrepreneurship to Combat Graduate Unemployment
The School of Business (SoB) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has organised a pivotal seminar aimed at addressing the critical issue of graduate unemployment in Ghana.
The event, themed "Entrepreneurship as a Solution to Graduate Unemployment," convened lecturers, graduate students, and industry experts to discuss the potential of entrepreneurship in mitigating joblessness among graduates. This 3rd School of Business Graduate Students Seminar took place on Saturday, 6th July, 2024, at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room.
Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW and Chairman for the seminar, emphasised the global concern of graduate unemployment despite substantial investments in higher education. He pointed out that many graduates struggle to find employment that aligns with their skills and aspirations, which not only affects individual lives but also hampers economic growth and societal development. Prof. Antwi stressed the importance of prioritising entrepreneurship as a viable solution to unemployment.
“Entrepreneurship offers a powerful solution to this pressing issue. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, we can empower graduates to create their own opportunities rather than solely relying on existing job markets. Let us create an ecosystem that supports and nurtures aspiring entrepreneurs to harness the potential of entrepreneurship,” he stated.
Prof. Antwi highlighted that entrepreneurship is more than just a career path; it is a mindset and a way of life. He urged participants to embrace entrepreneurship, transforming the challenge of graduate unemployment into opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and social impact. He encouraged faculty members to create an environment that empowers graduates to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. “Together, we can build a future where every graduate has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and make a difference,” he added.
Dr. Richard Oduro, Acting Dean of SoB, welcomed participants and praised the students for exploring entrepreneurship as a viable career option. “Your presence here today demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to creating a brighter future for yourself and your community,” he said.
Dr. Oduro emphasised entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for addressing graduate unemployment, expressing SoB lecturers’ commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, mindset, and opportunities to nurture their ideas and create successful businesses. “Let us all take a moment to appreciate the opportunity we have today to learn from each other, share ideas, and network. Let us unleash our entrepreneurial spirit, tap into our creative potential, and shape the future we all desire,” he added.
The seminar featured insightful presentations from distinguished speakers, including Dr. Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, Director of the Design Thinking Innovation Hub at the University of Cape Coast; Mr. Albert Nii Ayi Tagoe, Head of Finance at the Ghana Commodity Exchange; and Prof. Awaisu Imurana Braimah, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at UEW. They addressed participants on critical topics such as “21st Century Skill Sets for Entrepreneurs: Key Skills Required of Business Graduates,” “Unleashing Capital: Innovative Financing Strategies for Launching Your Small Business,” and “Thesis or Dissertation Writing: UEW Graduate School Policies and Guidelines.”
The seminar underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in solving graduate unemployment and equipped attendees with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. The event marked a significant step towards empowering UEW graduates to become job creators and drive economic growth in Ghana.
