A new era in education is dawning in Nigeria and across the vast continent. It’s time to champion entrepreneurship right from the hallways of elementary schools.
In a continent of untapped potential and vibrant creativity, efforts to instill entrepreneurial skills in young minds are gaining momentum, helping children engage in learning and prepare for their future roles in society. It tells you that a big change is coming in the way you envision.
In Nigeria’s bustling cities such as Lagos and Abuja, as well as in rural areas surrounded by vast landscapes, educators are pioneering innovative approaches to education that go beyond traditional pedagogy.
At the forefront of this movement are programs designed to foster entrepreneurial spirit in elementary and middle school students and equip them with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
In Nigeria, initiatives such as Catch Them Young Entrepreneurship by BMI-CTY are helping primary and secondary school students unlock their potential as future business leaders and change-makers.
BMI-CTY stands for Business Matters Incubators – Catch them Young.
Through a curriculum that combines practical business skills and hands-on experience, children learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, from ideation and market research to product development and financial management.
By fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, BMI-CTY sows the seeds of innovation that drive economic growth and social development in Nigeria and beyond.
“We are innovating the way entrepreneurship is integrated into the basic education curriculum. This initiative will provide students with the entrepreneurial skills they need to succeed as the next generation of nation builders.” BMI -CTY Chairman Nnamdi Unachukwu told reporters at a press conference.
According to the Chairman, a group of researchers at BMI-CTY adopted a research approach and after two years of effort, developed a comprehensive methodology for teaching entrepreneurship education in Nigeria.
He said the group is made up of experienced educators, successful entrepreneurs with years of experience, IT experts, experienced researchers and management consultants.
“They have developed a six-sense approach with resource materials such as textbooks, workbooks, discussion books, comic series, practical books, video-recorded teaching, and games that are suitable for young learners.
“Early learning always motivates the acquisition of behaviors and habits because learning modifies behavioral, cognitive, motor and sensory levels and integrates changes in our values and attitudes.
“Nigeria is focusing on the importance of fostering innovation, creativity and problem-solving mindsets among students, making it easier to develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in children. It makes children creative, innovative, risk takers and wealth builders,” he added.
The impact of entrepreneurship education extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the trajectory of children’s lives and influencing the future trajectory of entire countries.
Nigeria and Africa are laying the foundations for a new era of innovation, prosperity and opportunity by equipping primary school students with the knowledge, skills and mindset they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
As these young entrepreneurs grow and prosper, they will not only change their lives, but also contribute to the collective development of their communities, countries and the continent as a whole.
Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School and a certified management consultant, said the initiative would foster positivity in children and help create future jobs in the country.
She says instilling entrepreneurial skills in children will reduce dependence on job searches and create a robust local economy.
