OKOBI: FUTO, Imo Govt. Seek Collaboration to Drive Entrepreneurship

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Imo State Government are exploring areas of partnership to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and economic empowerment among students through the State government’s One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI).

The partnership was mooted on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 when a delegation from the Office of the Economic Adviser to the Imo State Governor paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, in his office.

Discussions on the proposed collaboration focused on strategies for exposing FUTO students to viable business opportunities and creating platforms through which they can develop their ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Leader of the delegation, Mrs Jovita Agwu said the Office of the Economic Adviser was interested in working with FUTO to develop practical programmes that would equip students with entrepreneurial skills and enable them to become productive and self-reliant even before graduation.

She said the initiative was in line with the State government's commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and economic development. The delegation identified possible areas of collaboration, including entrepreneurship training, mentorship, start-up support, business incubation, innovation development, and student-led enterprises.

Responding, Prof. Dozie welcomed the initiative, and commended the Imo State Government for seeking partnership with the University. He said the OKOBI Programme could complement the abilities and entrepreneurial activities of FUTO students, noting that collaboration between the University and government would provide a stronger platform for nurturing young entrepreneurs and translating innovative ideas into productive ventures.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated FUTO's commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology-driven development, stressing the importance of equipping students not only with academic knowledge but with practical skills and opportunities capable of preparing them for the world of work and enterprise.

He expressed the optimism that the proposed partnership would create new pathways for students to develop, test, and commercialise innovative ideas while contributing to economic development.

The meeting was attended by members of the University Management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chika C. Ogueke; Registrar, Mr Chiedozie Uba; Bursar, Mrs Ebere Nwadike; and University Librarian, Dr Mrs Justina N. Ekere.