The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has hosted a high-level meeting designed to reposition Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The gathering, which took place at UNILAG’s Human Resources Development Centre brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions. Themed *“Catalyzing MSME Growth and Innovation through Strategic Partnerships Aligned with Future-Ready Agenda”*, the event emphasized collaboration as a central driver of Nigeria’s MSME transformation.
In her opening remarks, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola underscored the role of universities in driving industry-focused innovation. She explained that research at UNILAG is now being guided by real-world industry problems rather than purely academic interests, a shift she described as moving from “inside-out” to “outside-in.” This approach, she said, ensures that students’ research delivers bankable solutions and strengthens MSMEs through manpower development.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population, she noted that over 150 million people are under 30, representing both a risk and an opportunity. By investing in students with the right infrastructure and platforms, UNILAG aims to produce graduates who are self-reliant, industry-ready, and capable of contributing meaningfully to the economy.
Representing SMEDAN’s Director-General, Lagos State Manager Dr. Olubunmi Kole-Dawodu reiterated the agency’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for MSMEs. He stressed the importance of simplifying regulatory frameworks, promoting formalization, and embedding research and innovation into the sector.
He described the partnership with UNILAG as a significant step toward building knowledge-driven enterprises and urged MSME operators to adopt collaboration as a survival strategy rather than working in isolation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, emphasized that partnerships are no longer optional for MSMEs. He argued that in a competitive and digitally driven global economy, collaboration is essential for resilience, digital adoption, and sustainable growth.
Citing examples such as Paystack, Flutterwave, and Psaltery International, he explained how Nigerian firms have leveraged local and global partnerships to scale operations, attract investment, and access international markets. He called for deliberate efforts by academia, government, and private stakeholders to connect MSMEs with finance, technology, and mentorship opportunities.
The event also featured a panel session that examined MSME challenges in access to finance, technology, and market linkages. Panelists included representatives from SMEDAN, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), UNILAG Microfinance Bank, and CerviTech, a health-tech startup founded by Professor Ashiyat Akodu of UNILAG’s College of Medicine.
Discussions highlighted how financing gaps, limited digital adoption, and weak market access remain major barriers. Panelists agreed that targeted policies, innovative financing, and stronger academic-industry linkages are essential to overcoming these challenges.
The UNILAG-SMEDAN collaboration reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria’s MSMEs require more than isolated support. They need structured ecosystems of partnerships that provide research, funding, training, and technology access. By anchoring MSMEs in such ecosystems, stakeholders believe Nigeria can unlock new levels of competitiveness and position its enterprises for long-term sustainability.
