Finalist

Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award

Pan-Atlantic University

Finalist of the Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award

Pan-Atlantic University - Nigeria

"Driving Innovation - Empowering the next generation of leaders!"


Engage on social media

@pau_nigeria
(Official Twitter for Pan-Atlantic University.)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pan-atlantic-university/
(Official LinkedIn account for Pan-Atlantic University )
https://web.facebook.com/PanAtlanticUniversityNG
(Official Facebook account for Pan-Atlantic University )
YouTube: https://@PanAtlanticUniversityNG
(Official YouTube account for Pan-Atlantic University)
https://www.instagram.com/enterprisedevelopmentcentre/?hl=en
(Official Instagram Page of Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University)
https://www.facebook.com/EDC4SMEs
(Official Facebook account of Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University)

Have a say and vote for this entry to win the People's Choice Award!


Registered vote
500 points per vote

Provide your email address and click on "vote". You will then receive an email that enables you to verify your vote by clicking on a link.

 
Social media vote
1500 points per tweet. 500 points per retweet. 250 points for a like.

Support this entry by engaging with it on Twitter. Tweet or retweet using the following two hashtags to support this entry (use both hashtags in the same Tweet). Also, if you "like" an existing Tweet with these hashtags, the entry gets points.
#ACEEU_Awards
#2023Entry755

Live voting at Awards Ceremony
7500 points per vote

Join the Awards Ceremony online and vote live for this entry. Register here and we will send you a reminder and streaming link closer to the event.

The Award Ceremony for this entry (award category "Entrepreneurial University of the Year ") will take place on 27 June 2023, 18:45 to 19:45 CEST.

Summary

Founded as a unique and enterprising university, Pan-Atlantic University Lagos, Nigeria has continued to foster a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in its students, staff, and the society. Pan-Atlantic University's curriculum is modelled around entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal development. Entrepreneurship is reflected across the different programs, from undergraduate to post-graduate. A unique approach is the use of guest speakers who are mostly accomplished entrepreneurs to inspire intending entrepreneurs and the students who are mostly young adults and recent graduates. The pitch practices, and workshops on such topics as fundraising and marketing. The program also includes a demo pitch day, where students present their business ideas to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs.
The immersive and hands-on approach to learning sets Pan-Atlantic University apart. Students are encouraged to work on their business ideas and projects throughout the program, and they have access to mentors and advisors who can provide guidance and feedback.
In addition to its entrepreneurship program, Pan-Atlantic University offers several engaging experiences for its students. These experiences are designed to build confidence and resilience in students, and to teach them the value of risk-taking and perseverance.
Overall, Pan-Atlantic University is a unique and engaging university that offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience for aspiring entrepreneurs. Its focus on hands-on learning, personal development, and immersive experiences sets it apart from traditional universities, and its location in Lagos- Nigeria’s commercial capital and a recognized innovation hub provides unparalleled opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and investors.

Key People


Dr. Peter Bamkole
Chief Operating Officer
Pan-Atlantic University,  Pan-Atlantic University



Mrs. Nneka Okekearu
Director
Enterprise Development Centre,  Pan-Atlantic University



Dr. Olawale Anifowose
Head, Programs and Partnership
Enterprise Development Centre,  Pan-Atlantic University



Prof. Albert Alos
Founding Vice Chancellor
Prof. Emeritus,  Pan-Atlantic University



Prof. Enase Okonedo
Vice Chancellor
Vice Chancellor's Office,  Pan-Atlantic University



Prof. Juan Elegido
Former Vice Chancellor
Pan-Atlantic University


Acknowledgements





Images

Entrepreneurship Award 2019 presented by Prof. Albert Alos and Dr. Peter Bamkole to the recipient, Emmanuel Onoja.

Cross section of a typical entrepreneurship class for MSMEs

Group discussion during class session

Opening of a new production plant for Pad up

Presentation of EDC Seed capital to start a business to PAU Undergraduates as part of the entrepreneurship course.

IMPACT STORY

Impacting lifes

Pan-Atlantic University has always been a forward-thinking institution, constantly seeking ways to serve the society. Through its Enterprise Development Centre, thousands of small businesses have been empowered to perform better. The concept of circular economy which encourages the reduction of waste and promotion of sustainable practices and outcomes becomes a priority for the university. Small business owners and managers are being supported by the university towards embracing the emerging concept. As part of initiatives aimed at creating awareness and encouraging small businesses towards implementing circular economy, the university carried out studies on key strategies towards implementing circular economy.
Part of the outcome was awareness creation through capacity building sessions on circular economy.
A remarkable story from one of the earliest sessions on circular economy is that of Olivia Onyemaobi, founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Pad-Up Creations. Pad-up produced washable and reusable sanitary pads as sustainable solutions to the menstrual problems faced by rural and low income girls/women. Olivia took keen interest in circular economy. Olivia Onyemaobi has always been passionate about girls and women self-esteem from a very young age. Pad-up creations commenced operations in May 2016. As a result of the learning outcomes, Olivia was able to redesign her business model by converting wastes emanating from her production to useful products like snowman.
As part of Pad-up’s corporate social responsibility, free sanitary kits were provided to girls most vulnerable to sexual abuses. Pad-Up has since acquired a spacious office and empowering girls/women in rural areas.

LEARNINGS

Lessons learned

Providing leadership at Pan-Atlantic University has been a combination of excellence, and strategic vision. Some key lessons that have guided and can be applied by other universities are summarized.

Culture of innovation - At Pan-Atlantic university, we encourage our faculty, staff, and students to experiment with new ideas. They are provided with resources and support to help them turn their ideas into reality.

Development of strong industry partnerships is key- Using a collaborative approach, the University engages entrepreneurs/industry experts in the development of its entrepreneurship curriculum, making it as practical as it could be.
Beyond this, the university through its various units collaborates with regulatory bodies and government agencies as part of the process of making entrepreneurship thrive in Nigeria.

Students are kept at the center of all strategic decisions at the University. They are provided with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, develop their entrepreneurial skills and connect with industry experts.

Flexibility and adaptability - The entrepreneurial landscape is constantly evolving, and your university needs to be able to keep up.
Leverage technology to improve teaching and learning, streamline administrative processes, and enhance the overall student experience. Embrace new technologies and be willing to experiment with different tools and platforms.


These lessons can help the university thrive and prepare the students for success in the future.

FUTURE PLANS

What's coming?

The future plans of Pan-Atlantic university as an entrepreneurial and engaging university conform with the university’s mission, and priorities. The university realizing the strategic importance of leading in a rapidly dynamic world constantly reviews the strategic plan to fit in to emerging realities. The university intends leveraging on technology, creativity and innovation in its administrative processes, teaching, research, and community service.

The University’s Governing Council recently approved the construction of an “Innovation Hub” that will serve both the university community as well as be a platform for harvesting grass root innovation outside the university system. The Innovation Hub is currently at the design stage and is expected to promote ideas harvesting, solution-driven innovation, provide access to rapid prototyping, support venture creation across the entire value chain, encourage stakeholders’ collaboration and knowledge sharing. The hub is also expected to provide start-ups with extensive networking opportunities.

The university will continue to expand its strategic partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to create opportunities for their students and faculty, and stay connected to the needs of industry. The university will continue to encourage collaboration between different disciplines and departments within the university to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions.


KEY STATISTICS

326

Undergraduates who are currently taking entrepreneurial course

300

Enterprise educators who have engaged in Entrepreneurship Learning Journey

About 150,000

MSMEs who have received training from the university - this includes short courses as well as certificate programs

About 20,000

MSMEs who have received business support from the university

481

Graduates who undertook entrepreneurial course

2024 © ACEEU. All rights reserved.