Goal 1: No Poverty

In Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty is still a multidimensional phenomenon which affects the development of the region, with 431 million people living in extreme poverty in 2022. The region’s progress is hindered by low GDP per capital growth, which remains insufficient to reduce poverty amid a 2.6% annual population growth, exacerbating income inequality and limiting access to basic services. Nigeria is not exempt from this menace, with 63% of its population multidimensionally poor according to 2022 data, reflecting severe deprivation in living standards.

As part of our responsibility towards contributing to the SDG on zero poverty, the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre in collaboration with the university’s Mentorship Centre developed a business incubator/accelerator programme termed “U-Inspire”, where students are provided with training and mentorship to launch their own businesses. The Business School of the university offers, through the gown, crown and town workshops and training sessions on financial management, budgeting and saving with the aim to improve financial literacy, reduce financial stress and increase the financial stability of the public.