By Ali Elias
NSUKKA, ENUGU STATE — Maduka University and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) are set to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing creativity, industrial growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship, following high-level talks between both institutions on Wednesday.
The initiative came to the fore when ICAN President, Haruna Nma Yahaya, led a delegation of council members and senior officials to the university, as part of activities marking the 20th Eastern Zonal Accountants’ Conference hosted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Receiving the delegation, Vice-Chancellor Charles Ogbulogo described the visit as “timely and significant,” noting that the institution is “on a journey of discovery” anchored on entrepreneurship, leadership, and national development.
Speaking on the theme, “Entrenching Industrial Training at Maduka University,” Ogbulogo said the university places strong emphasis on experiential learning to prepare students for real-world challenges. He stressed that beyond academic instruction, the institution is committed to developing both technical competencies and soft skills across disciplines including publishing, medicine, petroleum, and mechanical industries.
“The university prioritizes practical exposure as a pathway to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also industry-ready,” he said.
Ogbulogo outlined the institution’s four strategic pillars—Academic Excellence, Estate Development, Teaching Hospital, and Industrial Entrepreneurship—while reiterating the vision of its Founder and Chancellor, Samuel Maduka Onyishi, to drive societal impact through education, agriculture, healthcare, and technology.
He underscored the importance of collaboration with ICAN, assuring the Institute of the university’s readiness to deepen engagement, particularly by promoting ICAN-related activities on campus to nurture creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial capacity among students.
Registrar J.M.U. Omeje also called for stronger institutional ties, while the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Malachy Ochie, identified opportunities for cooperation in scholarships, research funding, grants, and academic innovation.
Ochie further urged clarity on ICAN’s grant framework to enable broader participation by staff and students.
In his remarks, Yahaya commended the university’s rapid development, noting that its strides in infrastructure and institutional governance within less than three years reflect “purposeful leadership.”
“Maduka University stands as a compelling reminder that impact is not a function of age, but of purpose,” he said. “Wealth finds its true meaning when invested in people.”
The ICAN President described the Institute as “a pillar of national development,” emphasizing its role in promoting professionalism, accountability, and transparency in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
He pointed to strong alignment between both institutions, particularly in their shared commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, and outlined key areas for collaboration. These include curriculum development in line with global standards, incorporation of emerging fields such as digital finance, sustainability reporting, and forensic accounting, as well as structured mentorship programmes and industry exposure for students.
Yahaya also encouraged the university to leverage ICAN’s expertise in strengthening its Accountancy programme, accreditation processes, and broader academic partnerships. The proposed partnership, stakeholders say, is expected to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, while equipping graduates with the competencies required to navigate an increasingly complex global economy.