With a career spanning three continents, Dr. Abayomi Akinboye brings a truly global perspective to entrepreneurship education. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, he leverages experiences from Nigeria, Malaysia, and New Zealand to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. We sat down with Dr. Akinboye to learn more about his journey.
What sparked your interest in entrepreneurship?
Akinboye: My curiosity about the transformative potential of innovative business ideas and desire to motivate others drew me to entrepreneurship education. The potential influence of entrepreneurial education on individuals and society drives me. By giving students the necessary mentality and skills, I'm helping them reach their personal and professional goals and solve societal problems with innovative, sustainable solutions. The chance to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth and social transformation is a privilege and an inspiration.
How have your experiences shaped your perspective?
Akinboye: My experiences across different continents have given me a global perspective on entrepreneurship. I was exposed to numerous entrepreneurship ecosystems through university programs in Nigeria, Malaysia, and New Zealand. This global viewpoint has deepened my grasp of entrepreneurship's universal and localized principles, inspiring me to apply them to my work.
What is your favorite part of teaching entrepreneurship?
Akinboye: My favorite part of being an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship is the opportunity to witness and contribute to my students' transformational journeys. There's a unique thrill in seeing a concept or theory click for someone, igniting their passion and curiosity for entrepreneurship. It's incredibly rewarding to guide students as they navigate the complexities of starting and growing their ventures.
What do you hope to influence and teach others about?
Akinboye: My international academic and professional experiences provide insights into how entrepreneurship is fostered in different cultural and economic contexts. Sharing these perspectives can help students understand the global landscape of entrepreneurship, preparing them for success in increasingly interconnected markets.
What are your future goals?
Akinboye: Professionally, I am dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education, drawing on my diverse experiences from Nigeria to New Zealand and now in the United States. I aim to innovate in teaching and curriculum development, integrate practical entrepreneurial experiences with theoretical insights, and contribute significant research that addresses key gaps in entrepreneurship education.
On a personal level, lifelong learning remains a core commitment. I am eager to continually expand my knowledge and skill set in entrepreneurship, management, and beyond, which may involve pursuing further professional development opportunities and cross-disciplinary studies. Moreover, I plan to deepen my engagement with community-based entrepreneurship initiatives, lending my expertise to mentor local startups and contribute to events that foster grassroots entrepreneurship.
Describe Horn in 3 words.
Akinboye: Innovative. Empowering. Networked.
Interested in learning with Dr. Akinboye? Dr. Akinboye teaches ENTR350 Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
