The Centre Entrepreneurship and Research Development

Welcome the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Research Development

Our Centre is dedicated to fostering innovation, cultivating entrepreneurial talent, and advancing high-impact research that addresses real-world challenges. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and knowledge transfer, we empower individuals and communities to create sustainable solutions, strengthen industries, and contribute to national and global socio-economic transformation. Together, we build ideas that shape the future.

Who We Are

We bring together innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into practical solutions. Our work bridges academia and industry, fostering collaboration that drives sustainable growth. Through skill development, applied research, and strategic partnerships, we address economic challenges, create opportunities, and promote inclusive development. By nurturing talent and supporting enterprise creation, we strengthen communities, influence policy, and contribute meaningfully to knowledge-driven transformation across local, national, and global contexts.

Origins and Mandate

Entrepreneurship centres within Nigerian universities are designed to equip students with practical business and innovation skills that prepare them for self-reliance, reduce dependence on traditional white-collar jobs, and stimulate national economic development. They function as bridges between academia and industry, transforming theoretical knowledge into viable ventures that create opportunities and address societal challenges.

At Kaduna State University, the initiative began in March 2012 in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) directive for all universities to establish entrepreneurship centres. Since then, the focus has been on reshaping students’ mindsets away from exclusive reliance on government employment, while promoting creativity, innovation, and enterprise development.

The centre’s mandate is threefold: to provide training that equips students with entrepreneurial competencies, to support the establishment of sustainable businesses, and to promote innovation through research and development. This integrated approach ensures graduates are not only job seekers but also job creators, capable of contributing meaningfully to local communities and the broader economy.

The Centre Entrepreneurship and Research Development

Mission

To advance entrepreneurship and research excellence by equipping individuals with critical skills, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable solutions that strengthen communities, empower industries, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

Vision

To be a premier centre of entrepreneurial innovation and research leadership in Africa, shaping transformative ideas, building resilient enterprises, and creating impactful knowledge that drives economic growth and societal advancement.

Core Values

We uphold innovation, integrity, excellence, collaboration, and social responsibility, ensuring our work inspires creativity, promotes impactful research, empowers entrepreneurs, and delivers sustainable solutions for both local communities and the global economy.

The Centre Entrepreneurship and Research Development

Kaduna State University
Empowering people, ideas, and industries through innovation
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Core Focus Areas

  1. Entrepreneurship Education and Training
    Delivering structured programs, workshops, and mentorship that equip students with entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and innovative thinking.
  2. Venture Creation and Business Support
    Guiding students and graduates in transforming ideas into sustainable businesses through incubation, access to resources, and advisory services.
  3. Innovation and Research Development
    Promoting applied research, product development, and creative solutions that address local and global socio-economic challenges.
  4. Industry Collaboration and Partnerships
    Building strong connections with industries, government, and investors to create opportunities for practical learning, funding, and enterprise growth.
  5. Capacity Building and Community Engagement
    Extending entrepreneurship training to communities, supporting small enterprises, and fostering a culture of self-reliance and resilience.
  6. Policy and Advocacy
    Contributing to entrepreneurship-related policy discussions and promoting strategies that strengthen innovation ecosystems in higher education and beyond.
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Strategic Objectives

  1. Promote Entrepreneurial Mindsets
    Instill creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills among students to reduce dependence on government employment and encourage self-reliance.

  2. Strengthen Research and Innovation
    Advance applied research that drives innovation, supports product development, and creates viable business solutions to societal and economic challenges.

  3. Support Business Incubation
    Provide platforms for idea development, business incubation, and mentorship that guide students and graduates in establishing sustainable ventures.

  4. Enhance Industry Linkages
    Foster collaboration with industries, government agencies, and investors to create opportunities for training, funding, and enterprise growth.

  5. Build Community Impact
    Extend entrepreneurship programs and research outcomes to communities, contributing to local economic development and empowerment.