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Aligning University, Industry and Government Is Key To Foster Economic Growth and Development - Prof Luis Okoye - Director UNIZIK. Business school


By Chika Nweke

The Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School, Professor PUIE V.C Okoye, has stated that aligning the university, industry and government in areas of development will foster as well as hasten human and economic growth in Anambra State and beyond.

The University Don who spok e during the quarterly Business Roundtable on Tuesday, 31st March, 2026 at the Business school Hall, had its Theme: "Anambra Triple Helix System: University - Industry - Government Alignment", noted that the occasion was in collaboration with with the Anambra State ministry of Industry, Mines and Agriculture.


In his welcome address, Prof Okoye said "the roundtable is a physical gathering of strategic platform for dialogue and action. It seeks to ensure that research output from Nnamdi Azikiwe University are aligned with the needs of industry, while government policies remain responsive to the realities of businesses across Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi."
He further stressed that "This quarter's theme: Anambra Triple Helix Matrix: University, Industry and Government Alignment is apt. This tripartite model (often called Triple Helix) fosters economic growth by turning research into commercial products, providing students with practical skills, and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real world market; transforming theoretical research into usable technology and commercial products. It is believed that this collaboration will enable universities to design curricula based on industry needs, providing students with practical hands-on skills, internships, and mentoring that boost employability. The alignment is recognised as crucial for regional economic development, as it fosters an ecosystem where university researchers, entrepreneurs, and established firms share ideas."
Also speaking, the Chief Guest of Honour, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim said the Soludo admimistration is poised to making Anambra the destination centre as it carries the vision of a prosperous state. He thanked the UNIZIK Business School for efforts so far to achieving this feat. He challenged the university authorities to nurture students in such a way that when they graduate they will be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of society. He also called on the university to partner the government in its vision to build a new Anambra State ranging from areas of construction, health, agriculture, human capital development, among others. 

Dr Ibezim disclosed that the idea of establishing the Anambra Incubation Committee which will accommodate the academia, captains of industry and the government should take effect immediately to enable the committee articulate ways of building the state economy with clusters aimed at improving sustainable economic growth, employment and revenue to the state. 

Contributing, Engr Okafor Emeka, CEO Orbital Creation and founder Orbital Silicon Valley Ltd, disclosed that the state government cannot do it alone but will only achieve greater heights with the partnership of industrialists and the university. "Everything is not about government, Anambra has a lot of billionaires whom you can galvanise to pull funds together to get started. The government-community-individual partnership should be x-rayed and it's going to work."
Engr Okafor said it's time for partnership which is the only thing that can make development faster and easier. It's an alignment and not that talents are lacking. Anambra is blessed with both human resources and finance, all we need to do is come together, partner and then we will move forward. 
former Ambassador to Burundi, Dr Elijah Onyeagba emphasized that an alignment with the state government, the university and industry could bridge the gap. "We are looking at how our curriculum in the university should be designed to be able to solve the problems of tomorrow as against solving the problems of yesterday. We want a situation where industries can create funding for research and development."

 He stated that part of the policy recommendations from these discussions was to join hands together and improve actions. "Anambra is one of the most urban-based economies in Nigeria and so there is need to introduce innovations and synergy. This is the time to train students with both educational curriculum and practical examples so that once he or she graduates there will be no need to start learning again in the labour market."


Notable dignitaries present were the Chairman of the occasion and former Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ikem Odumodu and Lead Presenter, Professor of Development Education, Prof Osita Ogbu. Others were Special Guests of Honour, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, former Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, Chief Executive Officer Lovebite and Beverages Ltd, among others
 While discussants were former Ambassador to Burundi, Dr Elijah Onyeagba (Lead Discussant), Accountant General to Local Government, Anambra State, Dr Nneoma Muogbo, Chairman Chadon Group of companies, Barrister Chuka Odunukwe.
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