The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Brunel Business School at Brunel University, London, have partnered to ignite entrepreneurship in Abuja’s secondary schools through the Brunel-FCT Innovation Challenge. The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, aims to equip students with entrepreneurial skills to turn innovative ideas into viable products that tackle local community issues.
Professor Ainurul Rosli, Brunel University’s Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, explained that the challenge encourages students to assess their surroundings, identify gaps, and devise impactful solutions that could lead to a safer, greener, and more prosperous Abuja. “The main goal is to build a better Abuja for everyone,” Rosli said. “By exploring science and technology-based solutions, students will address local needs and foster a fairer and more prosperous community.”
Set to run from January to March 2025, the program will be open to all FCT secondary schools. Students will work in teams, mentored by Brunel’s experts through monthly online sessions, to turn ideas into marketable products. “This partnership is about nurturing young Nigerians to become entrepreneurs by choice, benefiting not only Nigeria’s economy but also empowering local communities to collaboratively solve their challenges,” Rosli added.
Reflecting a shift in traditional entrepreneurial training, the challenge emphasizes community-focused solutions. “Entrepreneurship for a better Nigeria is about addressing the heart of community needs,” Rosli stated. The project’s guiding principle is to foster responsible entrepreneurship, with a focus on sustainable products that serve communities without harming the environment.
The partnership has also brought in key stakeholders, including banks, government agencies, and chambers of commerce, to support the commercialization of student projects. Mr. Olobashola Kolawale, FCTA’s Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation, noted that Brunel’s practical approach addresses the gap between idea generation and realization. “This collaboration is reshaping entrepreneurship training in FCT schools by enabling students to bring their ideas to life,” he said.
Government Secondary School Kubwa Principal, Mr. Musa Zuru, shared how the training has inspired his students. “Our students are now focused on creating solutions to environmental and community challenges, aiming for both impact and profitability,” he said.
This partnership reflects a growing emphasis on innovation-driven education, as Nigeria’s youth are empowered to develop solutions that support economic and community development.
