Aligned with its overarching vision to enrich the understanding of marketing principles and ensure the sustained growth of the profession, the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) is currently hosting its inaugural Marketing Students Conference. This event serves as a pivotal platform for fostering capacity building, mentorship, and symbiotic relationships between academia and industry, aimed at equipping students with practical insights into the realm of marketing.
Entering its second day, the three-day conference has attracted prominent figures such as the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, and the Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Ademola Tayo, alongside numerous other esteemed guests.
Held at Babcock University, the conference carries the theme “Marketing Brilliance & Unleashing Creativity”.
In his keynote address, President of NIMN, Idorenyen Enang, reiterated the organization’s dedication to revolutionizing the marketing landscape by fostering a deeper understanding of the discipline among students and providing them with immersive experiences in practical marketing realms.
Enang remarked, ” As we convene here today, we embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and collaboration. Our mission is clear—to delve deep into the intricate world of marketing, unearthing new insights, unveiling cutting-edge strategies, and embracing best practices that will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of our dynamic industry.
“At the core of this momentous gathering lies our unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of marketing leaders. We firmly believe that by providing students with a robust platform to exchange ideas, connect with seasoned industry professionals, and hone their practical skills, we are sowing the seeds for a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.
In commendation of this initiative, Dr. Fadolapo emphasized the importance of enriching students’ knowledge to drive industry growth, highlighting the significance of practical readiness upon graduation.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ademola Tayo expressed optimism regarding the conference’s potential to facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas, ultimately propelling marketing excellence to new heights. He underscored the importance of collaboration in igniting the next wave of marketing innovation, regardless of one’s specialization.
The conference saw students from over 16 universities across Nigeria engaging in various sessions led by marketing experts, including Dami Olanrewaju of M360 Solutions Ltd. and Dolapo Otegbayi of DKO Consulting. These sessions delved into foundational marketing concepts and the evolving landscape of the field, emphasizing the importance of creativity, differentiation, and strategic thinking in achieving marketing brilliance.
“Whether you are selling a product or running a business, you must do marketing. When you talk about brilliance, you are taking it a step higher. Right now, we are all looking the same. If you look at the social media, everyone is doing same thing. We call that the sea of sameness but what drives the brilliance is when you come out and you are distinct. People say it is differentiation. However, another level of brilliance is distinctiveness. So, marketing brilliance is about doing your own thing differently” said Dolapo.
Dami noted thus: “The length and breadth of an organization rest on marketing. For marketing brilliance to begin to come out, number one is creativity. You need to think times ten. So, your brain is going to sweat. The second point is that you need to be strategic and intentional. You must realize that as a marketer, you are a brand. The only way to differentiate ourselves in the 21st century is to ensue brilliance in terms of creative and strategic innovative thinking and intentionality.
With additional contributions from facilitators such as Ms. Tolulope Medebem and Oluwafemi Adeniba, the conference equipped attendees with the tools, strategies, and inspiration necessary to excel in the ever-evolving marketing sphere.
As the conference progresses, it serves as a testament to NIMN’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketing leaders and fostering a culture of innovation within the industry. The participation of diverse universities underscores the widespread enthusiasm for advancing marketing knowledge and practice across the nation.
The conference, which continues tomorrow, promises to offer further engaging discussions and insights. Representatives from various institutions including Redeemer University, Adeleke University, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), University of Ibadan, Yaba College of Technology, Delta State University, Crawford University, Babcock University, lagos State University of Science and Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Adeleke University, Christland University among others, have actively participated, reflecting the widespread interest and enthusiasm surrounding the event.
