Serial entrepreneur and certified professional banker, Dr. David Akpimegin, has emphasized the need for improved access to finance, effective regulation, and stronger business-development support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. This call was made after successfully defending his doctoral thesis in Public Governance and Leadership at the Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja. His research examined the relationship between microfinance banking and SME growth and performance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Akpimegin's research, titled “Microfinance Banking and the Growth and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria (2010–2024),” found a positive relationship between access to microfinance services and SME growth. However, it identified high interest rates as a major constraint to accessing finance. The study also highlighted operational efficiency, effective regulation, financial literacy, and business-development support as critical factors in creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
Reflecting on the findings, Dr. Akpimegin noted that access to credit alone was insufficient to address the challenges confronting SMEs. He stressed the need for a broader support system to sustain their growth, emphasizing that small businesses required not only financing but also the knowledge, institutional support, and enabling policies to improve their performance and long-term viability.
The doctoral milestone builds on Dr. Akpimegin’s background in banking and entrepreneurship, providing an opportunity to connect practical industry experience with academic research in public governance, leadership, and economic development. He described the qualification as a responsibility to contribute knowledge, support human development, strengthen institutions, and participate in discussions on governance and economic development in Nigeria and beyond.
On public-sector governance, Dr. Akpimegin emphasized the need for responsible management of public resources, saying development should be measured not only by government revenue but also by how effectively and transparently such resources are deployed. He also called for peaceful democratic participation, issue-based engagement, respect for the rule of law, accountable leadership, and stronger institutions.
Dr. Akpimegin said his immediate focus was on meaningful service through banking, research, public-policy dialogue, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community service, rather than pursuing political office. He expressed appreciation to his supervisors, examiners, professors, colleagues, family members, and friends for their support throughout his doctoral journey.
The PhD was awarded in Public Governance and Leadership through the Abuja Leadership Centre of the University of Abuja. Dr. Akpimegin's achievement marks a significant milestone in his academic and professional career, and his research is expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions on SME development and economic growth in Nigeria.
Key points
- Dr. David Akpimegin calls for improved access to finance, effective regulation, and stronger business-development support for SMEs in Nigeria.
- Dr. Akpimegin's research found a positive relationship between access to microfinance services and SME growth in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Dr. Akpimegin emphasizes the need for a broader support system for SMEs, including knowledge, institutional support, and enabling policies.
