Brunel University and FCTA Collaborate to Boost Student Entrepreneurship in Abuja.

Abuja: The Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has joined forces with Brunel Business School, Brunel University, London, to enhance entrepreneurship among secondary school students in Abuja. This collaboration, unveiled at the Brunel-FCT Innovation Challenge, is aimed at transforming students’ ideas into viable products that address societal challenges.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Professor Ainurul Rosli of Brunel University emphasized the initiative’s focus on encouraging young Nigerians in Abuja to explore their local surroundings, identify unmet needs, and develop innovative solutions. The program, running from January to March 2025, is open to all secondary schools in the FCT. Students will work in teams to propose entrepreneurial solutions to local issues, with guidance from a Brunel team through online mentorship sessions.

Rosli highlighted the goal of equipping students to become entrepreneurs by choice, thereby supporting Nigeria’s economy and empowe
ring communities. The initiative also involves collaboration with banks, government agencies, and commerce chambers to potentially commercialize students’ ideas.

Mr. Olobashola Kolawale of the FCTA Education Secretariat noted that the partnership addresses the gap between idea generation and realization in entrepreneurship training. The training provided to school principals under this partnership is already changing this narrative by offering practical support to students.

Mr. Musa Zuru, Principal of Government Secondary School, Kubwa, shared his experience, stating that the training has empowered students to propose profitable solutions to community challenges.