Dr. Caroline Decken-Lange, Partner & Facilitator from Brunel University, London, UK.
By Stella Oko-Esene
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation among young Nigerians, the FCT Education Secretariat in collaboration with Brunel University London has launched the Abuja Innovation Challenge.
Speaking during the Training of Teachers on Entrepreneurship education,the Director Secretary FCT Secondary Education Board Dr Sani Mohammed Ladan said,this challenge is part of a wider program designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory while building a better and prosperous Capital City.
He explained that the theme of the challenge which is “Building a Better Abuja for Everyone: A Safer, Fairer, Greener, and More Prosperous City”, will further help to engage students in identifying real-life community problems and developing viable, technology-driven business solutions to address them.
Dr. Ashkan Pak, Partner & Facilitator from Brunel University London, UK.
He noted that,with Nigeria facing complex development challenges, including environmental degradation and poor infrastructure, the program will highlight the power of AI and sustainability in shaping accessible, affordable solutions for the country’s growing population.
The Director/ Secretary emphasized the need to continuously advocate for entrepreneurship opportunities and create spaces where students can thrive with their skills describing the challenge as one that has given the FCT Education Secretariat a competitive edge and stressed that it represents a sustainable investment in the lives of the students and help them to move on even after their secondary education. “This is a lifetime opportunity,” he stated.
Further explaining the process,Dr Ladan said twenty – five schools across Abuja are participating in this first-of-its-kind initiative with each school selecting five students, supported by teacher-mentors, to develop community-focused projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He highlights the key areas of focus include renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, urban infrastructure, and tourism.
One of the participating Schools, Government Secondary school, Kubwa with the Program Coordinator, Mr. Musa Nuhu Zuru, Deputy Director from FCT SEB.
Expressing his delight on the Abuja Innovation challenge, Director, FCT Department of Science Technology and Innovation Mr Kolawole Olobashola said,with this pioneering initiative,the FCT Schools under the Education Secretariat will continue to be ahead of others because a new learning practical process and experience has been inculcate into them and they will ensure it’s sustainability .
Also speaking,the Coordinator of the program,Mr. Musa Nuhu Zuru said, this initiative championed by the Director/Secretary FCT Secondary Education Board is a major milestone in promoting Student led innovation and showcases the role of international partnerships in transforming education and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
He said the Abuja innovation challenge is a strategic step to catch them young while confidently preparing them for the future.
The challenge program which began in February, 2025 with Six onlines workshops , mentorship opportunities
will culminate in a Demo Day on May 5th and conclude with an Awards ceremony on May 12, 2025, where standout projects will be recognized and offered future development opportunities.