FRANCO-BRITISH International University (FBIU), Kaduna, on Tuesday received a delegation from Unilever Nigeria PLC on a courtesy visit aimed at exploring areas of partnership in entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment and graduate employability.
News Point Nigeria reports that the delegation was led by the Regional Sales Manager of Unilever Nigeria PLC, Middle Belt Nigeria, Mr. Demola Adubi, alongside the Field Sales Manager for Kaduna State, Mrs. Felicia Francis.
The team was received by the President of FBIU, Professor Abdullahi Sabo Muhammad, in his office.
Speaking during the visit, Adubi said the purpose of the engagement was to explore areas of collaboration between Unilever Nigeria PLC and higher institutions of learning, particularly in supporting the production of employable and entrepreneurial graduates.
He explained that, as part of its commitment to youth empowerment and skills development, Unilever Nigeria PLC implements the Unilever Student Entrepreneurship Programme (U-STEP).
According to him, the initiative is designed to empower undergraduate students with practical entrepreneurship skills while also enhancing their employability and financial independence.
Adubi said the programme had recorded meaningful success across several institutions in Nigeria, where students actively engage in structured business activities supported through training, mentorship and access to Unilever products at wholesale prices.
He noted that the initiative provides students with opportunities to gain practical business experience while developing skills that could enable them to create and manage viable ventures.
In his remarks, the President of FBIU, Professor Sabo, described the visit as timely, particularly in view of the growing need to equip students with practical skills that complement their academic knowledge and adequately prepare them for the realities of life after graduation.
He said the university remained committed to producing graduates who were not only academically sound but also skilled, innovative and capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of society.
Professor Sabo expressed FBIU’s readiness to partner with Unilever Nigeria PLC in areas that would provide students with practical entrepreneurial experience and create opportunities for them to become self-reliant after graduation.
Also speaking, the representative of the President-General of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Dr. Ado Muhammad Sani, called on Unilever Nigeria PLC to explore more opportunities and initiatives that would benefit students and the country at large.
He noted that partnerships and initiatives of such nature would expose students to practical experiences and create opportunities for them to translate their academic knowledge and acquired skills into viable business ventures.
The proposed collaboration, according to the stakeholders, is expected to further strengthen efforts aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, improving graduate employability and empowering young Nigerians to become innovative and financially independent.