McDan CEO Advocates for Partnerships to Support UEW Student Entrepreneurs
Dr. Daniel McKorley, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of McDan Group, has called for stronger collaboration between universities and industry to equip young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial capacity and opportunities to thrive in an evolving economy.
Dr. McKorley made the call during a courtesy visit to Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The visit preceded his keynote address at the School of Business Undergraduate Seminar and Dean’s Awards, held under the theme: “Empowering Youth Through Entrepreneurship: A Path to Economic Independence.”
The engagement, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, focused on entrepreneurship development, graduate employability and strategies to bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations.
Dr. McKorley identified the disconnect between academia and industry as a major challenge affecting graduate employment and called for deliberate partnerships to bridge the gap. “There is a missing link between academia and industry. It is about time we close that gap,” he said, stressing the need for universities and businesses to work together to develop graduates with relevant skills for the job market.
Sharing his personal journey, Dr. McKorley recounted the challenges he encountered on his path to becoming a successful entrepreneur including leaving university due to financial difficulties before later completing his education. He explained that these experiences strengthened his commitment to supporting young people and creating opportunities for economic empowerment.
He highlighted some of his social impact initiatives including an interest-free loan programme that has supported more than 5,000 women in establishing and growing businesses as well as investments in education and community development.
The CEO of McDan encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and resilience. He noted that sustainable national development depends on empowering individuals to create value and build businesses.
Prof. Mitchual commended his entrepreneurial journey and contributions to national development. He described his achievements as an inspiration to students and young entrepreneurs. He emphasised the need for universities to expand their focus beyond preparing graduates for traditional employment by equipping students with entrepreneurial and practical skills that enable them to create opportunities.
He noted that, with limited capacity in the formal job market, entrepreneurship remains a critical pathway for addressing graduate unemployment and promoting economic growth. “Universities must empower students with the skills and mindset to create opportunities for themselves and others. Our partnership with industry must go beyond engagements and translate into practical programmes that prepare students for the future,” Prof. Mitchual stated.
The Vice-Chancellor proposed stronger collaboration between UEW and industry players through professional training, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives to improve students’ workplace readiness and entrepreneurial abilities.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of UEW and the McDan Group to strengthening academia-industry collaboration, promoting entrepreneurship and preparing graduates with the skills and the mindset required to succeed in a competitive global economy.
