PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged Kwame Nkrumah University graduates to drive innovation and entrepreneurship to curb economic challenges across the country.
President Hachilema says the nation cannot overcome economic challenges without innovation and entrepreneurial minds coupled with the spirit of hardwork.
President Hichilema said this in a speech read for him by the Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima during the 11th Nkwame Nkrumah University graduation ceremony in Kabwe, Central Province.
The Graduation which saw over 15,000 candidates graduate was held under the theme, “Unlocking Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship through Education, Resilience and Hard Work”.
He said that those graduating need to think beyond traditional employment and consider starting their own businesses, noting that entrepreneurship is vital to drive economic impact and create job opportunities among others.
”Beyond academic excellence, I urge you to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship, your resilience and hard work will be your greatest assets as you embark on your respective professional journeys,” President Hichilema said.
The head of state encouraged the university to continue investing in research, development, and innovation, highlighting the importance of partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
He said the government is aware of the infrastructural challenges the university is facing but noted that the Ministry of Education together with the Ministry of Finance have been working on the completion of infrastructure in all public universities, some of which had stalled since 2014.
He highlighted that there’s need to address student accommodation, and consider Public Private Partnership (PPP) to help develop infrastructure in the short period of time, without bringing financial strain to the treasury.
Source: ZANIS