The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei Esq., has urged students across the country to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and take advantage of opportunities that will make them more employable and economically independent.

Addressing participants at a student summit on the theme, “Enhancing Employability: Bridging Students’ Potential with Industry Opportunities”, the NEIP CEO emphasised that employability in today’s competitive job market goes beyond academic qualifications and requires a combination of digital skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and entrepreneurship.

According to him, students must begin preparing for the world of work long before graduation by aligning themselves with industry needs and developing practical skills that can create value in the marketplace.

“Even if you intend to work for an established company rather than start your own business, you must think like an entrepreneur by taking initiative and constantly looking for ways to add value,” he said.

The NEIP CEO commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to youth empowerment and job creation, noting that the President’s policies and support have created an enabling environment for young people to transition from job seekers to job creators.

He highlighted the Students Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Programme, a flagship initiative being implemented by NEIP in partnership with the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and the Ministry of Education. The programme seeks to equip students with training, mentorship, incubation support and seed funding to help them establish businesses while still in school.

He explained that the SEED Programme is designed to transform tertiary institutions into centres of innovation and enterprise, enabling students to develop sustainable businesses alongside their academic pursuits.

As an example of successful student entrepreneurship, he cited Bernice Dapaah, founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative, who transformed a simple idea into a globally recognised social enterprise that addresses unemployment and environmental sustainability through the production of bicycles made from locally sourced bamboo.

The NEIP CEO also encouraged students to use their time on campus to build networks, collaborate on ideas and establish strategic partnerships that could develop into successful businesses after graduation.