Bukola Amao-Taiwo

I am a Staff Educational Development Association, UK-certified academic developer, researcher, and entrepreneurship educator presently working at the University of Lagos Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre. My primary passion lies in designing and delivering tailor-made skills development interventions for the youth using data-driven principles, and equity-centered, inclusive, and participatory design-thinking methodologies. My research interest spans through experiential entrepreneurship education, teaching quality, pedagogy, student engagement, and active learning strategies. My current research is on the University living laboratories as spaces for sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem development in African Universities. I am also interested in the barriers and enablers of student entrepreneurship in Universities and carry out my research using entrepreneurship centers as case studies.

I have served as a judge in numerous pitch competitions and provided business advisory and counseling services to more than 50 women and also play a pivotal role in the growth and development of over 300 student entrepreneurs. By conducting numerous training sessions on design thinking, active learning, and experiential teaching strategies, I have positively impacted the professional growth of over 500 university lecturers from the University of Lagos, Babcock University, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, thereby equipping them with essential skills and knowledge required to design and implement curricula in ways that prepare learners for the future world of work.

My active engagement in various local and international academia-industry partnerships and initiatives focused on youth entrepreneurial development has made me a formidable resource and advocate for skills development in Africa, and over 10,000 youths have been impacted by my hands-on training and workshops. Notable examples include my involvement with the Lagos State Government Gidi Creatives and Ready Set Work programs, as well as collaborations with organizations such as Jobberman, the Bank of Industry, the ARUA Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development, and the University of Iowa Transnational Entrepreneurship Program. Currently, I am engrossed in my work on Market School, an innovative platform aimed at bringing entrepreneurship and climate education closer to women in the informal sector.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I actively volunteer as reviewer for numerous youth-led organizations including YALI, Teach for Nigeria, Fate Foundation and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.