Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State Government and private companies team up to foster creativity and business growth.

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UNIZIK

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By Vincent Ujumadu

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Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government and Chambers of Commerce in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, has unveiled a partnership aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the state.

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Director of UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Pius Okoye, said the initiative is designed to align university research outputs with industry needs while ensuring that government policies remain responsive to the realities of businesses across the state.

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The partnership, themed “Anambra Triple Helix Matrix: University, Industry and Government Alignment,” is built on a tripartite model expected to stimulate economic growth by translating research into commercial products, equipping students with practical skills, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world market demands.

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Okoye noted that the UNIZIK Business School has consistently championed practical, business-oriented models focused on case studies, measurable outputs, and business incubation.

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“This maiden quarterly roundtable is aimed at collaborating with the Anambra State Government to advance the industrialisation agenda of the governor by sensitising industry leaders, small and medium-scale enterprises, artisans, and innovators,” he said.

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He added that the initiative would enable the institution to take innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, transforming theoretical research into usable technologies and commercial ventures.

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According to him, the collaboration will also support the design of industry-driven curricula, offering students hands-on skills, internships, and mentoring opportunities that enhance employability.

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Okoye described the alignment of academia, industry, and government as critical to regional economic development, noting that it would foster an ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, and established firms can exchange ideas and drive innovation.

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He expressed confidence that with sustained commitment and strategic execution, the initiative would provide a roadmap for inclusive economic growth and long-term prosperity in Anambra State.

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Okoye also commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, for her leadership, noting that her focus on research capacity and human capital development continues to drive innovation within the institution.

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The event brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to explore the potential of collaborative frameworks in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship.

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