By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has launched a new initiative tagged “Students Turning Point,” designed to equip students in tertiary institutions across Benue State with practical skills for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The programme was officially unveiled at the College of Health Sciences Auditorium of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, where more than 1,000 students gathered to participate in the maiden edition.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, Raymond Asemakaha, presented a paper titled “Students Turning Point: Shaping a Great Future.”
He explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to empower young people to discover their purpose, build confidence and acquire skills that will enable them become self-reliant after graduation.
Asemakaha observed that a large portion of what students learn in universities does not directly align with the realities of the labour market, stressing the need for a shift in mindset.
“We are not discouraging education, but we want students to rethink their future. Job opportunities are scarce, and young people must begin to prepare themselves beyond certificates,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the growing number of graduates entering the labour market, noting that over 8,100 new students were admitted this year into Moses Orshio Adasu University while employment opportunities remain limited.
According to him, BIPC introduced the programme after identifying a significant gap in knowledge and practical skills among students.
He added that the company plans to promote entrepreneurship by providing seed capital that students can access at a minimal two percent profit rate.
Asemakaha further encouraged participants to think creatively, make informed life choices and begin asking critical questions about the future they intend to build.
The lead facilitator, Ismail Gobir, delivered a lecture titled “Mindset Shift,” where he emphasized the importance of developing a growth mindset.
He urged students to move away from rigid thinking patterns and embrace skills that align with the demands of the digital economy.
Gobir highlighted opportunities in fields such as data analytics, AI design tools, remote cloud services and digital platforms, advising students not to rely solely on academic certificates.
He also encouraged them to explore online learning platforms such as Canva and Coursera, while engaging in volunteering and vocational training.
According to him, students must transition from merely attending school to becoming individuals who can earn income while studying.
Another speaker, Mimi Swem, shared her personal experiences on successfully combining academic pursuits with entrepreneurship.
Similarly, the Deputy Director of the Career Service Centre at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Daniel Peverga Dam, presented a lecture titled “Unlocking the Power of Innovation and Creativity for Wealth Creation among Nigerian Youths in the 21st Century.”
Dam encouraged students to embrace innovation and develop solutions to societal challenges, stressing that young people are not just participants in the 21st century but future leaders.
He identified opportunities within the digital economy, agricultural value chains, creative industries and social media platforms, urging students to harness creativity in generating wealth.
“Today, wealth is no longer solely a product of land and labour but also of ideas and the ability to solve problems,” he said.
Earlier, the Dean of Students Affairs at the university, Nelson Alybo, described the Students Turning Point initiative as the first of its kind in the institution.
He noted that the programme reflects transformational leadership and offers students practical knowledge needed to prepare for life after graduation.
Alybo urged participants to remain attentive and take full advantage of the opportunity presented by the programme.
Student leaders who spoke at the event commended BIPC for the initiative.
The President of the National Union of Benue State Students, Peter Akpereshi, expressed appreciation to the BIPC management and Governor Alia for their commitment to youth development.
He also appealed for the introduction of bursary allowances and a reduction in school fees for students.
In his remarks, the President of the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), David Owoicho, urged BIPC to expand the programme to include training in financial literacy and stock trading.
The Students Turning Point initiative is expected to be extended to other tertiary institutions across Benue State as part of efforts to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge needed to thrive in the modern economy.
