Stakeholders and industry leaders gathered at the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) Entrepreneurial Complex in Jahi District for the National Investiture, Induction Ceremony, and Leadership Conference organised by the Institute of Entrepreneurship, Apprenticeship, Management and Administration (IEAMA).
Operating under the theme: “Advancing Nigeria’s Economic Future through Structured Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Leadership,” the institute renewed its call for the formal professionalisation and digital certification of trade practices across the country.
The landmark event highlighted practical skills acquisition, policy advocacy, institutional governance, and cross-sectoral collaboration as key drivers to tackle unemployment and drive national growth.
Dr. Joseph Ibeh: Strategic Vision, Government Collaboration, and Financial Access
Leading the charge, the Registrar of IEAMA, Dr. Joseph Ibeh, outlined the institute’s overarching strategy for national expansion and legislative backing. He stressed that long-term impact requires active collaboration with public sector institutions.
“There is nothing you can do without the presence of the government if you want to go far. Currently, we are in partnership with the NYSC Lagos Chapter, training certified corps members, but we are pushing to elevate this to the national level. With the induction of our National Vice President and our council members, we are joining hands to secure full government backing. Our ultimate goal is to achieve chartered status within four years.”
Addressing the primary obstacle confronting emerging entrepreneurs, Dr. Ibeh identified access to capital as the main hurdle and called for targeted state intervention.
“Since the Institute is working towards professionalising entrepreneurship, the key challenge most of our members face is finance. If finance can be made readily available, it will go a long way in supporting both the Institute and our members.
“We are already providing free training in emerging fields like digital forensics and cybersecurity, teaching participants how to build sustainable enterprises rather than mere short-term businesses. By implementing our comprehensive manual, we are professionalising apprenticeship and ensuring young people understand that long-term enterprise starts with learning a trade.”
Delivering a keynote address, the National Vice President of IEAMA, Dr. Adeniyi Samson Adekunle, said Nigeria’s economic prosperity depends largely on building a structured entrepreneurship and apprenticeship system capable of addressing unemployment, poverty and low productivity. He noted that millions of graduates enter the labour market annually without corresponding employment opportunities, making entrepreneurship an essential pathway for sustainable economic development.
Dr. Adekunle observed that nearly 60 percent of Nigeria’s economy operates within the informal sector, limiting access to finance, taxation, business continuity and productivity. He explained that many businesses collapse within their first four years due to poor management, inadequate financial planning and weak institutional structures. According to him, structured entrepreneurship encourages proper record-keeping, financial discipline, team building, succession planning and innovation, while apprenticeship remains the oldest and most effective method of transferring practical knowledge and skills from one generation to another.
He further stated that IEAMA is strategically positioned to bridge the gap between government, the private sector and vulnerable communities by promoting an inclusive economy where opportunities are available to everyone. “An inclusive economy is a stronger economy,” he said, stressing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when government, institutions and citizens work together toward a common economic vision.
Dr. Harrish Yerima Bala: Inclusive Empowerment, Governance, and Youth Mindsets
In her opening remark and conference address, the Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr. Harrish Yerima Bala, welcomed delegates and highlighted the investiture of Dr. Adeniyi Samson Adekunle as National Vice President. She emphasised that economic transformation relies on institutional structures, inclusive policy frameworks, and proper training oversight.
“Today is a landmark occasion reflecting our commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship as a recognized profession. Global economic transformation happens when nations deliberately invest in vocational excellence, skills acquisition, and structured systems. Nigeria does not lack ideas; we lack stronger institutions capable of translating enterprise into national prosperity.”
Dr. Bala outlined the institute’s focus on marginalized demographics, quality control, and youth mindset reorientation
“When you train a woman, you train a nation. Our major focus centers on empowering women, including women with disabilities, ensuring equal access without discrimination so they can thrive as successful entrepreneurs. To maintain high standards, we deploy trained inspectors to evaluate training centers and ensure participants receive practical, industry-relevant knowledge.
“To our youth: patience and perseverance are essential. You cannot grow a enterprise overnight; it requires consistency and continuous trial.
“While the government offers financial support programs, many youths misinterpret these grants as free handouts. We are working to shift that mindset so young people view funding as capital to build productive, sustainable enterprises.”
Dr. Emmanuel Babayaro: Lessons from Sports Administration and Sustained Excellence
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist, Dr. Emmanuel Babayaro, addressed the structural gaps in Nigerian sports and business administration. Drawing parallels to the athletic sector, he made a case for integrating structured apprenticeship principles into sports management.
“Everything delivered at this conference aligns with what football stands for—my primary domain. The critical element lacking in Nigerian football administration, clubs, and academies is genuine professionalism.
“We fail in football administration because we bypass the fundamental learning and apprenticeship processes.
“I am advocating for a structural synergy where sports coaches and administrators do not just receive tactical certifications, but are formally certified as entrepreneurs by IEAMA.
“Without apprenticeship, any business you establish lacks sustainability. In football academies, we do not merely train youngsters; we nurture them through a developmental phase. When young talents skip this process, they fall prey to early setbacks and crash. You do not refine gold or diamonds without going through fire. Youth must embrace the learning process to build careers that endure,” he said.
Dr. Dipo Fisho: Institutionalising the Igbo Apprenticeship System and Digital Certification
Serving as Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Dipo Fisho emphasized the need to modernize traditional Nigerian apprenticeship models through formal documentation, standardization, and digital verification.
According to him, “Entrepreneurship demands perseverance, consistency, and commitment. Having a vision is not enough; creating a business platform is good, but building an enduring legacy is far better. Many young people today want to jump the queue without learning the requisite skill sets.
“We must highlight Nigeria’s proven models, particularly the Igbo apprenticeship system widely practiced across the country. IEAMA is advocating for a framework that formalizes, digitizes, and certifies this process.
“By introducing standardized timelines, verifiable digital documentation, and official certification, we replace unorganized, informal practices with a credible, scalable system.
“This governance structure gives domestic artisans international credibility and equips entrepreneurs with the technical foundation needed to sustain their ventures,” he said.
Dr. Alhaji Bori Dunoma: National Expansion and Industry-Wide Capacity Building
In his own remarks, council member Dr. Alhaji Bori Dunoma reiterated the institute’s plan to extend its operational footprint across all thirty-six states by leveraging established commercial networks.
According to him, “As a member of NACCIMA, my objective is to take this initiative to every tier of governance—from the ward level up to the federal government. We are building pillars to expand these professional structures nationwide very soon,’ he said.
C, he said that, “IEAMA acts as a vital bridge between theoretical education and practical industry execution. It is not enough for young people to sit within the four walls of a classroom and collect degrees. We must teach them practical execution, offer direct mentorship, and connect them with the right institutions. By equipping youths with actionable, market-ready skills, we help them drive economic value, support local communities, and strengthen the national economy.”
The conference concluded with consensus among participants on the necessity of institutionalising professional standards in trade and enterprise development. By establishing legislative charters, creating digital verification frameworks for traditional apprenticeships, and facilitating access to finance, IEAMA aims to equip Nigerian youths with the tools to build a competitive and sustainable economy.
