In a bold move to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development among young Nigerians, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat, in partnership with Brunel University London, has officially launched the Abuja Innovation Challenge.
Speaking during a capacity-building session for teachers on entrepreneurship education, Dr. Sani Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, described the initiative as a transformative opportunity for secondary school students across Abuja. According to him, the challenge is part of a comprehensive program designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while contributing to the vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally friendly capital city.
Themed “Building a Better Abuja for Everyone: A Safer, Fairer, Greener, and More Prosperous City,” the challenge invites students to identify pressing community issues and propose innovative, technology-driven business solutions tailored to local needs. Dr. Ladan emphasized that with Nigeria grappling with multifaceted challenges such as environmental degradation and infrastructural deficits, the initiative seeks to harness the power of AI and sustainable practices to create scalable, accessible solutions.
“This is more than a competition — it’s a lifetime opportunity,” Dr. Ladan stated. “We are investing in the future of these students, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills that will benefit them long after their secondary education.”
In its inaugural edition, 25 secondary schools within Abuja have been selected to participate. Each school will field a team of five students, guided by teacher-mentors, to develop community-focused projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focus areas include renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, urban infrastructure, and tourism.
Director of the FCT Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Kolawole Olobashola, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential to position FCT schools ahead of their peers nationwide. “This initiative introduces a new, practical learning process that instills innovation and problem-solving skills in our students. It’s a pioneering effort we intend to sustain,” he remarked.
Also lending his voice, Program Coordinator Mr. Musa Nuhu Zuru hailed the challenge as a milestone in promoting student-led innovation and a testament to the transformative impact of international partnerships in Nigeria’s education and entrepreneurship sectors.
“The Abuja Innovation Challenge strategically nurtures young talents and prepares them for future leadership and enterprise roles,” Zuru said.
The program, which commenced in February 2025, includes a series of six online workshops and mentorship sessions, culminating in a Demo Day on May 5, 2025. The final event, an Awards Ceremony scheduled for May 12, 2025, will honor outstanding projects and offer participants further development opportunities.
With this initiative, the FCT Education Secretariat and its partners are not only investing in the future of Abuja’s youth but also reinforcing the crucial role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
