by Damiete Blade
of The Chairman, Business Matters Incubators Catch Them Young (BMI-CTY), Engineer Nnamdi Unachukwu, has announced initiatives to develop entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.
The initiative, which had the theme: “Developing African Child Entrepreneurs to Inspire the Next Generation”, highlighted the hard work and dedication behind the groundbreaking project which aims to reduce poverty, fraud, unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria through entrepreneurial education.
An excited Unachukwu took to the stage to celebrate his new endeavor and the publication of his first book, marking a milestone of hard work and passion.
He shared his mantra, “Lost But Found”, which symbolizes finding solutions that will secure the future of Nigerian youths as future leaders of the country.
He stressed the urgent need for education reform to shape the minds of Nigerian youth, especially those in rural areas. After years of study, consultation and hard work, his vision culminated in the creation of BMI-CTY, an initiative that targets children between the ages of 7 and 14 and teaches them the skills and mindset required to become successful entrepreneurs. Unachukwu criticised previous short-term approaches that have lost momentum with each change of government, stressing the importance of long-term and sustainable strategies.
The BMI-CTY initiative employs a unique methodology called the “Six Senses Approach” to entrepreneurial education. This comprehensive method includes a variety of tools, such as textbooks, workbooks, decision books, video lessons, comic service, BMI Fantasy Day, practical manuals, trainer training journal manuals, etc. These resources aim to consolidate behavior modification, enhancement of cognitive processes, and change in values and attitudes during key developmental stages from childhood to adolescence.
The goal is to develop young learners’ self-esteem, sense of efficacy, and confidence.
Unachukwu outlined the initiative’s long-term plan to develop the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next 10 to 15 years. He stressed the importance of nurturing children’s creativity, drive and problem-solving skills.
He acknowledged the need for collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies and private sector partners to support education reform in the country.
He also pointed out the potential impact of entrepreneurship education on economic growth, job creation, social innovation and crime reduction in the country.
Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Lagos Business School and Director, Business Innovation Accelerator, acknowledged that entrepreneurial education is crucial to enable youths to create their own opportunities rather than relying on traditional employment.
She stressed the importance of integrating entrepreneurship education into the curriculum, a mandate already recognized by the government. However, she pointed out a major challenge: training the trainers. According to her, without educators with an entrepreneurial mindset, it will be impossible to effectively instill this mindset in students.
She commended the BMI-CTY initiative for addressing this gap and providing a comprehensive framework for entrepreneurship education.
Mr Babatunde Jimoh, representing the Lagos State Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), also commended the initiative.
He highlighted the state government’s efforts towards revamping the education system, including the introduction of a technology curriculum at the primary level.
Jimoh expressed optimism that BMI-CTY’s programme would inspire other NGOs to emulate its approach, further supporting the growth of entrepreneurship education in Nigeria.
Child actor Cossy Ogboluche shared her enthusiasm for the initiative from a young perspective, talking about finding joy in acting and the importance of pursuing one’s passion. Ogboluche stressed the importance of preparing for the future in a country with a tough economic situation, encouraging her peers to pursue entrepreneurship alongside their hobbies.
The event was attended by schools including Glowfield International School, Early Spring School, Impact Lives School and Silver Sands Hall School, whose students came out eager to learn about the new opportunities that BMI-CTY has to offer.
