The Plateau State Government has intensified its economic development agenda by engaging students and academic stakeholders on entrepreneurship, industrialisation and private-sector growth during a Business Parley organised at the University of Jos. The event, hosted by the Faculty of Management Sciences, brought together policymakers, lecturers, industry representatives and students to discuss strategies for strengthening economic productivity through innovation, enterprise development and closer collaboration between academia and government.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Nyalun, encouraged students to position themselves as entrepreneurs and innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria's economic transformation. He emphasised that sustainable economic growth increasingly depends on expanding private-sector investment, improving productivity and supporting entrepreneurial development rather than relying solely on public-sector employment.
The Commissioner highlighted Plateau State's comparative advantages, including its agricultural potential, solid mineral resources, tourism assets and youthful population, describing these as foundations upon which investment and industrial expansion can be built. He outlined the Mutfwang administration's economic priorities, which include sustainable economic renewal, MSME development, infrastructure expansion, youth empowerment and private-sector-led growth.
As part of the presentation, the Commissioner referenced several ongoing government initiatives designed to improve the state's commercial environment. These include the proposed redevelopment of the Terminus Shopping Mall, market modernisation programmes, standardisation of weights and measures, and collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. He also highlighted the ₦4 billion Plateau State–Bank of Industry matching fund established to improve MSME access to finance, business development support and market opportunities.
During discussions with participants, the Commissioner encouraged students to develop competencies in leadership, financial literacy, digital technologies, data analysis and Artificial Intelligence while making use of existing government-supported institutions such as the State Committee on Export Promotion, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council's zonal office and the Technology Incubation Centre for business mentorship, agro-processing and export development. The engagement concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between universities, government and industry to support research, innovation and enterprise creation.
The engagement demonstrates an executive-government approach that links higher education with economic development policy by encouraging students to view entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of long-term economic growth. Rather than limiting universities to academic instruction, the initiative seeks to connect classroom learning with public policy, industrial development and practical business opportunities.
The emphasis on MSME development reflects the state's broader strategy of expanding economic participation through small and medium-sized enterprises, which play a significant role in employment generation, local production and private investment. Programmes that improve access to finance, technical support and export opportunities can strengthen the operating environment for emerging businesses while encouraging greater economic diversification.
The Commissioner's presentation also illustrates how government ministries can use academic institutions as platforms for communicating development priorities and promoting awareness of available public programmes. By introducing students to existing support mechanisms before graduation, the state seeks to encourage earlier engagement with entrepreneurship and enterprise development initiatives.
Reference to digital skills, financial literacy and Artificial Intelligence further indicates recognition that competitiveness increasingly depends on technology-enabled innovation and modern business capabilities. Integrating these competencies into entrepreneurship promotion aligns with wider efforts to prepare young people for evolving labour markets and emerging industries.
Overall, the engagement reflects a governance strategy that combines education, enterprise development and institutional collaboration to strengthen Plateau State's long-term economic capacity. Encouraging stronger links between universities, government agencies and industry supports the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of generating investment, employment and sustainable economic growth.