By Adedapo Adesanya
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has advised the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) to set up free trade zones on university campuses.
This came following a meeting among ACCI, NEPZA and the Vice Counsellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Na’Allah Abdulrasheed, where he stated that when this is achieved in his university, it will challenge other campuses in Nigeria to take up the same task.
Prof Na’Allah lauded the partnership between ACCI and the University of Abuja while stating they cannot achieve their goals without working with industry players like the ACCI.
He said the goal of the team is to mobilise young minds for national development while adding that the free zone, when established, would focus on mining, agriculture, tourism and Nollywood Industry.
“This move became necessary towards empowering students of the University to make them employers of labour after graduation.”
In June 2021, the University of Abuja entered into a partnership with the ACCI to enhance knowledge sharing and promote innovation and capacity building.
The immediate past President of ACCI and Chairman of the ACCI/UofA Committee, Mr Adekunbo Kayode, in his remarks, stated that ACCI was in total alignment to make the education system sustainable, adding that this collaboration will help the institution to be able to raise income and be a centre for research opportunities.
“Globally, universities have initiatives for commercialisation. We have laid a foundation for a long-time investment with thousands of students on the campus and lots of opportunities and space for development,” he said.
He requested that NEPZA gives support to the initiative and also channel the interest to the government.
The host of the meeting, MD/CEO NEPZA, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, stated that the commercialisation of activities in universities was crucial to national development.
He said the proximity of the university is an added advantage as he called on other institutions of higher learning to emulate the school on the project for national industrialisation and economic development.
Prof. Adesugba also said universities could lead research to industry, and that can lead to employment opportunities.
“It is a value chain where everyone is reached, innovation is guaranteed, and value is shared. You must provide appropriate technology and an appropriate plan to take charge, and UofA can become the richest university in the world if this is achieved,” the don said.
On the request of the VC, Prof. Adesugba said they would make it a flagship project for this government and set up a committee for its take-off.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere