In a dynamic bid to reshape the academic landscape and empower students with the tools for self-reliance and innovation, the University of Lagos hosted the inaugural edition of the Entrepreneurial Hangout Event (1.0) on Friday, October 31, 2025. The gathering brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and students who explored pathways aimed at instilling entrepreneurship into the university’s culture and curriculum.
Held at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, the event had the theme: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset in the University Ecosystem. It was spearheaded by the Chair Occupier of the Dr. Mike Adenuga Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurship Studies, in collaboration with the UNILAG MBA Students’ Association.
The event was warmly opened by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Dr. Mike Adenuga Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurship Studies, UNILAG, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN who emphasized the need for side hustles, and encouraged attendees to remain open to the opportunities around them. “Sometimes you may smell opportunity, but you are not seeing it,” he remarked, urging participants to use the hangout as a lens to discover untapped potential.
The Occupier of the Professorial Chair, Prof. Olufemi O. Olayemi, elaborated on the vision behind the initiative, stressing the need to re-orient the university community towards entrepreneurial thinking.
He highlighted UNILAG’s evolving identity as an entrepreneurial university—one that not only produces employable graduates but also nurtures job creators who drive market growth and regional development. According to him, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is essential for building a sustainable society and aligning higher education with national development goals.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. ’Muyiwa Falaiye reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship. He encouraged students to embrace innovation and take advantage of the platforms provided by the institution to develop viable ventures.
A major highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by UNILAG alumna, legal practitioner, and novelist, Miss Chioma Ilozumba. The panellists included:
- HRM Oba Aina Oladipo (CEO, Signet Investments & Securities Ltd.)
- Mr. Lanre Longe (Managing Director, Mackym Consult Ltd.)
- Dr. (Mrs.) Yewande O. Ntekim-Rex (Coordinator ENACTUS, UNILAG and Deputy Director, Confucius Institute, UNILAG) and
- Dr. Adedeji Adeniyi, (Group Managing Director, Toptech Group)
The panellists discussed and answered questions on issues such as navigating the challenges of starting a new venture; leveraging AI in business operations; funding opportunities; mentorship and role models as well as networking and collaboration.
Beyond presentations by renowned and accomplished members of the academia and industry, Entrepreneurial Hangout Event (1.0) served as a platform which further encouraged entrepreneurial conversations aimed at shaping the future of innovation within the university.
Author: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographer: Ayo Oloyede
