ICAN, Maduka University explore strategic collaborative opportunities

By Anayo Okoli

ENUGU -Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Nsukka, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) are set to forge a strategic partnership aimed at promoting creativity, industrial growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

This was the focus of discussion during a recent visit of the President of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, who led a high-powered delegation to the university to explore collaborative opportunities that would deepen academic excellence and professional relevance.

Yahaya, accompanied by Council members, the Registrar, and other officials of the Institute, was at the university as part of activities marking the 20th Eastern Zonal Accountants’ Conference held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Receiving the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of Maduka University, Professor Charles Ogbulogo, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and significant for a university he said is “on a journey of discovery with a clear focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and national development.”

Speaking on the theme “Entrenching Industrial Training at Maduka University,” Ogbulogo emphasized the institution’s commitment to hands-on learning, noting that the university prioritizes practical exposure to prepare students for real-world challenges, alongside the development of both technical and soft skills across diverse fields, including publishing, medicine, petroleum, and mechanical industries.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted the university’s four cardinal pillars as academic excellence, estate development, teaching hospital, and industrial entrepreneurship.

He reiterated the vision of the Founder and Chancellor, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, to positively impact society through education, agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

Ogbulogo stressed the importance of partnering with ICAN and assured the Institute of the university’s readiness for meaningful collaboration.

He also underscored the need to promote ICAN-related activities on campus to foster creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial capacity among students.

He acknowledged ICAN’s contributions to governance, accountability, and national development and  pledged the university’s support in encouraging staff and students to actively participate in ICAN programmes as part of its vision to build a purpose-driven institution.

In his remarks, ICAN President commended the university’s rapid development, and achievements in infrastructure, learning environment, and institutional integrity within less than three years demonstrate purposeful leadership.

“Maduka University stands as a compelling reminder that impact is not a function of age, but of purpose,” Yahaya noted, adding that “wealth finds its true meaning when invested in people.”

He outlined potential areas of collaboration to include curriculum development aligned with global standards, integration of emerging fields such as digital finance, sustainability reporting, and forensic accounting, as well as structured mentorship and industry exposure for students.