The University of Mkar, Benue State, has established a Students Innovation Hub aimed at empowering students to develop practical solutions to societal challenges.

The initiative followed a challenge issued by development expert, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, during the institution’s 19th Distinguished Public Lecture held recently in Gboko.

Speaking at the lecture themed “Navigating an Uncertain Future: Courage, Creativity and Responsibility in Times of Crisis,” Kuraun urged students to move beyond passive learning and embrace innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

He stressed the need for universities to establish Student Innovation Labs where young people can transform ideas into practical solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing development challenges.

Responding to the call, the university community set up the Students Innovation Hub as a collaborative space where students can meet, exchange ideas and develop projects with real-world impact.

The hub is designed to promote creativity, teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration among students, while also providing mentorship opportunities from faculty members and industry experts.

According to the concept presented during the lecture, such innovation labs allow students to work on real challenges within their communities while gaining practical skills that complement classroom learning.

The space will also encourage collaboration between students, entrepreneurs and development partners to help transform academic ideas into viable initiatives.

Carrying the motto “Think. Imagine. Create.”, the hub seeks to inspire students to see themselves as solution-builders rather than mere observers of national problems.

Kuraun further challenged students to acquire practical competencies such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, agriculture and data analysis to better prepare for an uncertain future.

He urged young people to apply knowledge to community problems, build financial resilience and work across disciplines to create scalable solutions.

The newly established hub is expected to serve as a platform where ideas developed by students can evolve into impactful projects that contribute to national development.

University officials said the initiative could serve as a model for institutions across Nigeria seeking to promote innovation, ethical leadership and problem-solving among students.