By Stella Okoh-Esene
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing students’ creativity and entrepreneurial capacity as the maiden edition of the Abuja Innovation Challenge culminated in a grand showcase of youth talent and innovation.
After a rigorous competition involving several public schools and a private school across the FCT, the Team lead of Brunel Entrepreneurship Education Program,Dr. Nan Jiang announced Glisten International Academyas the overall winner with a creative low – cost water purification device and chemical free , accessible clean water for underserved communities in Abuja.
He noted that the water purification system is a socially impactful idea with high environmental and public health benefits.
Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwagwalada clinched the second position with an impressive and innovative solution addressing waste , recycling and sustainable environmental management of turning discarded plastic into various housesholds items such as bags, flower vases, pencil holders, room decorations and skipping ropes .
In his remarks, Dr. Jiang noted their solutions not only tackles waste but also creates economic empowerment for students while GSS, Kwali Team took the third position with the introduction of a cost effective poultry feed blended from a local resources like maize, moringa, soya beans ,papaya leaves and animal bone geared towards improving food production in rural communities.
Speaking at the grand finale and award ceremony of the FCTA – Brunel innovation Challenge, the Secretary for Education Dr Danlami Hayyo said the FCT Administration will continue to scale up program that cultivate students’ creativity and entrepreneurship skills to change the world.
Represented by Director Department of Higher Education,Mr Siyanbola Olumuyiwa stated that the FCT was building an education system that empowers young people with skills and confidence to shape the future.
Hayyo noted that when education is anchored in innovation and supported by visionary leadership, students innovative ideas is possible commending the Minister FCT Bar Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his unwavering support for the Education Sector,youth empowerment while encouraging transformative partnerships .
He added that his leadership has continued to inspire bold initiatives that position Abuja not only as Nigeria’s capital but as a beacon of excellence in Education and innovation.
The Secretary for Education thanked the students for their resilience and drive to embrace new ideas ,tackle problems with courage.
He said, they are all ambassadors of a new innovative generation.
Representative of the Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Ms Pamela Mbanefo, Director/ Principal, Nigeria Korea Model School described the Abuja Innovation Challenge as a place where creativity meets opportunity .
He stressed that ideas have power to change the world if properly harnessed .
He explained that the competition is not only about presenting ideas but practical solutions that address new world problems.
He congratulated the Students and urged them to continue to think differently,push their limits to see how far their imaginations could take them.
Speaking in the same vein, the coordinator of the program, Mr Musa Nuhu said, the Challenge innovation program is a flagship initiative under the FCTA-Brunel Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program designed to equip secondary school students with the knowledge and practical skills to transform innovative ideas into bankable products that address real-world challenges in their communities while catching them young.
The Principal of Government Secondary School Gwagwalada,Mr Victor Orifah commended the FCT Administration for advancing Students innovation adding that FCT Education Secretariat through its Boards and Departments are raising job creators and not job seekers. He lauded the students and their schools for their outstanding creativity and resilience.
The winning Schools thanked the organizers for the innovation platform provided for them to unlock their potentials and make themselves self sufficient while empowering the society.
The highlight of the colourful event is the presentation of plagues and Brunel University Business School UK Certificates to the Winners.