By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
Agbor, Delta State — The second week of the ongoing Techpreneurship Programme witnessed an inspiring surge in participation at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, with over 240 students in attendance from various academic levels. The highly anticipated programme, sponsored by the D-Peterson Foundation in partnership with UNIDEL, is fast becoming a hub for digital innovation and skill acquisition among students and youths in the community.
A major driver of this week’s increased participation is the integration of two of the programme’s core modules — Digital Marketing and Design School — into the official curriculum for 300-level students across multiple faculties. This strategic move has been hailed as a game-changer in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, in-demand skills. Meanwhile, the Data Analytics track remains open to students of all levels, broadening access to digital learning and fostering inclusivity.
This landmark programme has not only garnered student enthusiasm but has also enjoyed immense institutional support from the university management, particularly from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Stella Chiemeke. Her unwavering commitment to youth development and digital transformation in higher education has been instrumental in the seamless implementation of the initiative. According to sources close to the planning team, Prof. Chiemeke provided all necessary administrative backing, including the allocation of university facilities, academic alignment of the modules, and encouragement of staff involvement.
“The support of the Vice Chancellor has been monumental. Without her visionary leadership and openness to innovation, integrating techpreneurship into the university curriculum would have been far more challenging,” a coordinating staff member noted.
At the heart of the initiative is Dr. Donald Peterson, Special Adviser to the Delta State Government on Entrepreneurship Development and founder of the D-Peterson Foundation. Through this foundation, Dr. Peterson is fully funding the programme as part of his broader mission to empower the youth with skills that align with the demands of the digital economy. His passion for human capital development and community upliftment is reflected not just in the structure of the programme, but in its open-door policy.
While students of UNIDEL are the primary beneficiaries, the programme is also open to all Ika youths who are eager to acquire tech-based skills. However, prospective participants must fulfill a set of eligibility requirements, which include:
- Ownership of a functional laptop, necessary for hands-on participation;
- An attestation letter from a recognized guarantor — a Chief from the applicant’s community, a clergy member, or a senior civil servant not below Grade Level 12;
- Affidavit of good behavior obtained from a High Court;
- A recent passport photograph and a valid means of identification.
Each participant stands to gain not only knowledge but also a certificate of participation, making the programme a win-win initiative that enhances both skill sets and employability.
Observers have described the Techpreneurship Programme as revolutionary, especially in a time when young Nigerians are seeking ways to gain a competitive edge in a fast-evolving job market. With modules carefully tailored to meet the needs of the 21st-century entrepreneur and digital professional, the programme is helping to unlock the potential of young people across Delta State.
As the programme progresses, expectations are high for even greater impact in the coming weeks. The D-Peterson Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Delta, is setting a laudable precedent for public-private partnerships in higher education and youth empowerment, with the full cooperation of university leadership, community stakeholders, and committed trainers.
The Techpreneurship Programme is more than just a training — it is a movement, reshaping the future of Ika youths, one digital skill at a time.
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He is a member of #TeamPeterson. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.