Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Finance and economic experts will converge on Umuahia, the Abia State capital, for a summit aimed at addressing the persistent challenges confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
The event, organised by the College of Management Sciences (COLMAS), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), seeks to develop creative and practical solutions to the obstacles limiting the growth and sustainability of MSMEs.
According to the organisers, the 2nd COLMAS International Hybrid Conference, themed “Innovation and Sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Emerging Economies,” will also contribute to national economic development and expand research on the MSME sector, regarded as the bedrock of sustainable growth.
They noted that Nigeria’s harsh business environment has remained a major impediment to the survival of many MSMEs, raising concerns about their future and the strategies needed to keep them afloat.
A handbill signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Prof. A. E. Osuala, and the Secretary, Dr. C. I. Otuokere, said the conference would explore innovative survival strategies for MSMEs and provide growth platforms for startups and existing enterprises. It also called for submission of papers from academics, experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The deadline for paper submission is November 25, while early registration begins November 30. Late on-site registration will hold on December 2, 2025.
The release also outlined manuscript submission guidelines, including title, author details, abstract, introduction, methodology, and results/discussion.
Registration fees were pegged at N20,000 for regular participants and N15,000 for postgraduate students, covering conference materials and technical support.
The organisers said the carefully selected sub-themes would address critical aspects of the main conference theme.
