Africa’s Education System, Insufficient For Successful Business Ventures

By George Best Okoroh

Africa’s increasing number of businessmen and women, with particular reference to  Nigeria, may likely nose dive if such entrepreneurs continue to rely on classroom knowledge.

While parading themselves as potential business moguls, a Human Resources and Business Development Consultant, Mr. Kelechi Aguwuom during a two-day symposium in Owerri, Imo State  said success may be elusive to such entrepreneurs unless they change their mindset.

Aguwuom is of the view that the extent to which one can go is dependent on one’s mindset. According to the Consultant, one should critically understand oneself, the business, the audience; and the product(s) or service(s) to be offered. Adding value is of essence, and if not; it becomes counterproductive and  unprofitable.

In the symposium organised by Rotaract District 9142 and tagged Rotaract Leadership and Business Symposium,2023, with the theme: Exposing The Next Generation; Shoping For Visionary Leaders And Thriving Business, the guest speaker faulted the education system bequeathed to Africans; especially Nigerians by the whites. He unequivocally stated that the system was lacking in creative, imaginative and critical thinking. The result was that the system did not teach the beneficiaries a lot of things, culminating in the failure to explore the potentials the beneficiaries had in their minds to the fullest. Thus, “a lot of businesses may either  be working or striving; some moving in snail speed, while some are struggling”, Aguwuom said. He urged those preparing to go into business to properly position themselves to attract funds since there is enough money in circulation waiting for who will grab them.

The Business Development Consultant , whose lead lecture was titled “Business Optimization:The Human Factor”, pointed out that the positioning is expected to make the public to understand and appreciate what they ( potential entrepreneurs) know how to do best. According to Aguwuom, “nobody talks about business without the expectant value that is in the product or service out there in the society that will leave the society a lot better”.

Aguwuom advised those whose businesses have taken a down turn not to waste their time and energy by blaming the government. Rather, no matter the harsh economic policies of the government, a creative, imaginative and critical thinking can provide a lee way out of the woods.