The Kwara State Government is set to host another edition of the International Students’ Day Celebration, with a central focus on empowering student entrepreneurs through a platform that enables them to pitch scalable business ideas that align with the state’s developmental goals.
In a statement released on Monday and made available to 9japarrot media, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Salami Wasiu Onidugbé, announced that the programme will feature an Entrepreneurship Expo designed to promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and self-reliance among students across tertiary institutions in the state.
According to him, the event is scheduled to hold on Monday, 17th November 2025, at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, with the theme: “Entrepreneurship for Development: Igniting Students as Catalysts for Economic Prosperity.”
Onidugbé explained that the 2025 edition will spotlight entrepreneurship, business creativity, and economic empowerment, areas which he described as critical in preparing students to become job creators and active contributors to sustainable economic growth.
The highlights of the event will include a keynote address, business proposal pitches by student entrepreneurs, and an empowerment session for outstanding participants.
A seasoned business mogul and founder of Lahmad Concept and Hairsense, Mr. Ahmed Lawal, will deliver the keynote address titled: “Entrepreneurship as a Career Path and a Tool for Economic Empowerment: What Students Need to Know.”
Onidugbé further revealed that 15 student entrepreneurs who qualified for the grand finale after a rigorous screening process will pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges and receive financial support from the Kwara State Government to scale their ventures and deepen their impact.
According to him, the overall winner will receive a ₦1,000,000 grant, the first runner-up will take home ₦800,000, while the second runner-up will receive ₦600,000. The remaining 12 finalists will each receive ₦250,000 as a consolation prize.
“The Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration remains steadfast in its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development as part of its broader vision for sustainable economic growth and inclusive prosperity in Kwara State,” Onidugbé concluded.
