On a warm Saturday morning, the serene UDS Guesthouse came alive with the energy of ambition and innovation as the University for Development Studies (UDS) School of Business commenced the second edition of its MBA Business and Networking Bootcamp. Held from April 12 to April 13, 2025, the two-day entrepreneurial immersion was not just an academic gathering, it was a vibrant fusion of ideas, experiences, and transformative insights designed to shape the next generation of business leaders.

Under the theme “Driving Business Excellence: Innovate, Lead, and Succeed,” the bootcamp brought together MBA students, seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academic mentors, all united by a common purpose: to bridge the often-wide gap between business theory and entrepreneurial practice.

A Weekend of Vision and Value

Day one opened with great anticipation as Professor Alhassan Musah, Dean of Student Affairs and Chairperson for the event, set the tone with inspiring words on the role of innovation in academic and business environments. He urged participants to embrace learning beyond the classroom and transform theoretical knowledge into actionable solutions for real-world challenges.

The first keynote address was delivered by Mr. Jonathan Kodjo, a renowned Digital Technologist, Entrepreneur, and Co-founder of Jowato SME Marketplace. Speaking with clarity and conviction, he emphasized that “intentional innovation is no longer a luxury—it is the heartbeat of sustainable businesses.” His presentation on Enterprise Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation offered students a glimpse into the discipline, mindset, and agility needed to build and scale resilient enterprises in today's competitive market.

Following him was Ms. Tiku Chantal Atut, Founder of Maganoba Farms, whose powerful storytelling captivated the room. In her keynote titled Starting and Nurturing a Business in Northern Ghana: The Maganoba Success Story, she walked participants through her entrepreneurial journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in Northern Ghana’s agribusiness space. “Perseverance and commitment,” she said, “are what carried me through when everything else seemed to fail.”

Closing the first day’s keynotes was Ms. Salwa Issah, Social Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Ni-ima Company Ltd. Her session, Navigating the Challenges in Starting a Business, was refreshingly honest and deeply practical. “Financial literacy, clarity of purpose, and dedication,” she advised, “are the essential survival tools for any entrepreneur.”

The day ended with a spirited panel discussion, where participants engaged the speakers in thought-provoking conversations, exploring diverse perspectives on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial resilience.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The momentum carried into the second day with an engaging session led by Mr. Cosmos Alhassan, CEO of Nim Avenue Hotel in Tamale. Sharing his remarkable rise in the hospitality industry, his talk on Innovation and Leadership in the Services Sector: The Nim Avenue Success Story was both candid and compelling. He recounted his early struggles, risky decisions, and the turning points that defined his business. “Fear and challenges are constants in every business,” he told the participants. “There’s no guarantee of success, but you must take the risk, because nothing is right until it is done.”

The morning concluded with an open Q&A session, where students eagerly sought guidance on personal business ideas, strategy, and navigating failure.

In the afternoon, the Bootcamp transitioned from theory to practice with an interactive group pitch session. Participants were tasked with developing and presenting pitch decks, followed by constructive assessments from a panel of faculty and entrepreneurs. This hands-on experience provided a critical platform for refining their business acumen and presentation skills.

A Legacy of Learning

As the sun set on the second day, the Bootcamp came to a close with heartfelt remarks from Professor Alhassan Musah. He lauded the UDS School of Business and its partners for curating a dynamic and meaningful experience and commended the students for their passion, engagement, and professionalism.

“Initiatives like this,” he concluded, “are the incubators of tomorrow’s trailblazers. We are not just teaching business; we are shaping business leaders who will innovate, lead, and succeed.”

With minds expanded and spirits ignited, participants left the Bootcamp not only with notes and contacts—but with the courage to dream, the skills to build, and the vision to lead.

Story by: 
Hajara Adam
UDS Media