Iyke Ikegwuonu standing on stage presenting at a conference, holding a microphone 

To enhance entrepreneurship education and support female researchers, a project funded by the International Partnership Development Fund aims to formalise and strengthen partnership with Babcock University. The project had two main objectives:

  1. improve entrepreneurial skills among students
  2. to encourage collaboration in academic research.

These objectives were achieved through a two-phase approach, consisting of a 'Venture Simulation Workshop' and an 'Academic Workshop,' both of which took place at Babcock University in Ogun State, Nigeria.

The first phase of the International Partnership Development Fund (IPDF) in Africa for 2024 concluded successfully with the Venture Simulation Week (VSW) from 2-5 April 2024 at Babcock University, Nigeria. The VSW engaged around 400 students from Adeleke, Babcock, and covenant universities in workshops simulating real-life tech ventures. Students were allocated in teams of fives using STAM-DEEP, an innovative model of student team formation being developed by Professor Margaret Fletcher and Iyke Ikegwuonu (University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School). STAM-DEEP creates balanced, innovative, and effective student entrepreneurial teams across three diversity and equality (DE) domains and one entrepreneurial potential (EP) factor, to enhance team performance and reduce disruption in students’ projects.

Day one focused on team building. The next day featured a market data workshop, where students conducted field-based research to identify their market. On day three, they learned financial modelling for their startups. Day four included Launchpad with guidance on crafting pitches, culminating in the Venture Pitching event. This finale allowed teams to showcase their ideas to experts, receive feedback, and connect with potential collaborators and investors.

The VSW aligns with the University of Glasgow’s global strategies, promoting international collaborations and enhancing the University’s presence, while fostering a pipeline of students interested in advanced degrees. Three top student groups emerged to join a 12-month Graduate Venture Development programme tackling SDG challenges, run by the GSET consortium.

The Females in Academics conference, held on 2-3 July 2024, was also a resounding success. Co-organised with Babcock University, the event brought together 60 academic researchers from thirteen higher educational institutions in Nigeria's Western Region. Representatives from prominent HEIs such as Babcock University, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Covenant University, and others were in attendance.

The conference featured a range of activities, including a keynote lecture, panel discussions, and small group sessions. These sessions delved into the challenges faced by female academics and strategies for overcoming barriers.

Dr Josephine Adekola presenting in front of a females in academics conference banner

On the second day, discussions centred on identifying specific projects and formulating collaboration strategies between the represented Higher education institutions (HEI). Notably, this led to the establishment of eight interinstitutional and interdisciplinary groups that now convene regularly in virtual meetings to discuss their future research projects.

Learn more

Babcock University hosts females in academics conference

 

Further information: Iyke.Ikegwuonu@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 22 August 2024

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