The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has introduced an undergraduate internship program aimed at identifying, training, and empowering future entrepreneurs on university campuses nationwide.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, officially launched the program at Baze University in Abuja, announcing a target of 10,000 internship placements through the initiative in 2024. Mr. Odii highlighted that the agency has secured commitments from prestigious firms to provide opportunities for students, allowing them to gain practical knowledge and experience.
The initiative, named the “SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Programme,” is designed to offer hands-on entrepreneurial experience to students through quality internships at renowned organizations. The program aims to identify and nurture potential entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and talent in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sub-sector.
Charles Odii emphasized the agency’s commitment to advancing the MSME sub-sector by making strategic investments in talent and innovation. Selected students will benefit from specialized training, experiential learning, networking opportunities, and mentorship, providing a platform for them to develop practical entrepreneurial skills.
During the launch, Farida Akuyam, a Business Management student at Baze University, was unveiled as a pioneer participant in the program. The SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Program represents a significant step toward building the next generation of entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
