Christopher Uwakwe, a lecturer at Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) in Enugu, Nigeria, has been awarded the prestigious STEP-S International Master Trainer certification for his outstanding contributions to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. The award was presented as part of the Students Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion – Sustainability (STEP-S) program, a four-year initiative running from 2024 to 2027.
STEP-S is a collaborative effort between GOUNI, Leuphana University (Germany), Mount Kenya University (Kenya), and the University of Venda (South Africa), focused on integrating sustainable entrepreneurship principles into education across Africa. Uwakwe’s recognition as the first-ever STEP-S Master Trainer in West Africa underscores his pioneering role in this transformative initiative.
The award ceremony, held at Mount Kenya University, saw Uwakwe honored by Professor Michael Gielnik of Leuphana University, with Ms. Janina Peschmann presenting the award. The Vice Chancellor of Mount Kenya University, Professor Deogratius Jaganyi, also commended the partnership between GOUNI and the STEP program for advancing sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa.
Uwakwe’s certification followed his successful role as Lead Trainer at the STEP-S Train-the-Trainer workshop in March 2025, where he led a group of 12 faculty members from Mount Kenya University through the program’s implementation strategy. This achievement adds to his growing legacy in global education, with previous workshops in Germany, South Africa, and Tanzania.
In a statement, Uwakwe emphasized that the project aims to combat unemployment in the Global South by fostering entrepreneurial skills among students at all levels. So far, the STEP-S initiative has already empowered 80 student teachers, provided interest-free startup capital for sustainable businesses, and certified 12 faculty members through the Train-the-Trainer workshops.
Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Vice-Chancellor of GOUNI, expressed his pride in Uwakwe’s success, noting that his achievement brought great honor to the university and highlighted its commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship education.
Uwakwe’s work in the STEP-S program is expected to make significant strides in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape and driving forward the mission of sustainable development across the continent.
