The University is an Ecosystem for Wealth Creation

On 17 January 2026, I joined eighty-five other university students at Lakeside Study Centre for the annual edition of Mastering the University seminar. The theme, “Mastering the University for Wealth Creation,” challenged many of us to rethink what our years in school are really for. Rather than seeing the university as a place to earn a degree and wait for life to begin, the session helped us understand it as an ecosystem, one filled with people, problems, opportunities, and experiences that can shape our future if we engage it intentionally.

Setting the Tone

In his opening remarks, the Director of Lakeside Study Centre, Mr. Francis Onwumere, described Lakeside as “a community of friends” supporting one another in their academic, professional, and personal growth, building a solid foundation for their careers and lives. He reminded us that the university is not an end in itself, but a launchpad—one that rewards students who are deliberate about how they use their time, energy, and talents.

Keynote Speaker's Address: Rethinking Wealth

The keynote address by Mr. Azuka Akofu, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry Microfinance Bank, was both practical and thought-provoking. He spoke about leveraging university education to unlock financial opportunities, urging us to stop thinking of wealth as something that begins only after graduation. One idea that stood out was his description of the university as an ecosystem of relationships, skills, and ideas that forms the basis for wealth creation even amidst small beginnings and limited resources. He emphasized the importance of being intentional about acquiring skills and resources to address the problems of our immediate society, as they can be opportunities for innovation if we learn to perceive them differently.

Guest Speaker’s Address: Leverage Opportunity

The guest speaker, Mr. Malcolm Nwabunka - Manager, Grooming Centre Fitness Gym, opened with refreshing honesty: “To be honest, I failed in my first business. It didn’t work. But that didn’t stop me. I kept going.” He went on to share how persistence turned setbacks into momentum. His core message was simple and powerful: Start something. Don’t be afraid. If it fails, try again—or adjust your strategy. It can work. Nwabunka then spotlighted two practical GET programs that could help turn ideas into reality:

1. The GET Compass Program is an initiative that helps refine business models and operations. From all applicants, only the top five well-thought-out, real businesses are selected and awarded up to ₦2 million to scale their operations.
2. The GET Accelerated Program is designed for early-stage startups, like the ones students might launch. It offers intensive bootcamps, mentorship, and coaching from experienced professionals. Successful participants can access up to ₦9 million in support.

Echoing the keynote speaker’s emphasis on mentorship, he encouraged finding a trusted advisor. It could be anyone from a parent or sibling to a pastor or experienced friend, but they must be willing to give honest, tough feedback: “I don’t think this will work, and here’s why.” That kind of candor, he said, is invaluable. Nwabunka closed by reminding everyone that big opportunities often hide in plain sight on campus. People start small and grow into multi-branch operations or full companies. Challenges aren’t unique; your roommate or friend might be facing the same ones. Team up. Collaborate. It doesn’t have to be a “serious” business; it just has to solve a real need. His final words landed with clarity and urgency: “Many big companies started small, even from university campuses. Just start. That’s the key.”

Panel Session: Real Stories, Real Lessons

The panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Babatunde Ogunlewe, an investment banker at Rand Merchant Bank, brought the theme even closer to home. A recurring message from the panel was that wealth is more than money. Relationships, integrity, ideas, and reputation were repeatedly discussed as assets that compound over time. The panelists also stressed the value of internships, especially those that provide exposure and learning, even when they don’t offer immediate financial rewards. Perhaps the most striking takeaway was the reminder that integrity is not optional. Sustainable success, we were told, rests on trust, consistency, and character.

Personal Takeaway

The Mastering the University for Wealth Creation seminar left many of us with a renewed sense of responsibility for our own growth. It reminded us that the choices we make during our university years—how we learn, who we connect with, and what problems we try to solve—can shape the trajectory of our lives. More than anything, the session reinforced the idea that wealth creation starts with mindset, discipline, and purposeful action. When approached intentionally, the university offers far more than lectures and exams; it offers a unique opportunity to build a meaningful and impactful future.

I would like to sincerely thank the Lakeside and the sponsors whose support made Mastering the University for Wealth Creation possible: Bank of Industry Microfinance Bank, Grooming Endowment Trust (GET), Educational Co-operation Society (ECS), ACOA Courier, and the Lakeside Board of Patrons.