In its continuous and proactive effort to ensure that FCT Schools are not only academically sound but also equipped with entrepreneurial mindsets and skills vital for poverty eradication, job creation, and wealth generation, the FCT Education Secretariat through the Secondary Education Board (SEB), the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB)has organized the Abuja Innovation Challenge Competition with the theme “Building a Better Abuja.” A total of 26 schools participated in the highly competitive initiative.
Emerging as the top five schools, the finalists presented their innovative projects virtually via Zoom to a panel of judges from Brunel University, London, UK. The judges commended the students for their outstanding presentations and noted that a final round of competition is scheduled for May 12, 2025, to determine the overall winners.
In his remarks during the virtual opening ceremony, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, stated that the Abuja Innovation Challenge was designed to encourage students to explore their environments, identify pressing local needs, and propose innovative solutions using entrepreneurial knowledge. He emphasized that while awaiting the final winners, the top five projects already demonstrate potential for sustainable income generation and real community impact.
Dr. Ladan highlighted that engaged students are more likely to become self-reliant, reduce dependence on society, and avoid social vices which will in no small measure contribute to peaceful communities and economic progress. He added that FCT students are being prepared to make a difference starting from their households, in line with the Renewed Hope and Transformation Agenda of the current administration.
He expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration, led by the Honourable Minister Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering commitment to education, including consistent approval of funding that enables students to participate in global competitions. Dr. Ladan further revealed that a team from Government Science Secondary School, Pyakassa Maitama, will represent the FCT at an international competition in South Africa from May 6th to May 12th, 2025.
Also speaking, Mr. Musa Nuhu, Deputy Director and program coordinator, noted that the challenge is aimed at deepening entrepreneurial skills and nurturing viable business ideas among students. He commended their continuous improvement and determination during the series of presentations.
On her part, Mrs. Helen Idakwoji, Coordinator of the FCT-Brunel Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, announced that the competition will now be held annually to foster students’ creativity and critical thinking. She added that the top three schools from the final round will have the opportunity to engage with industries in London and receive support in transforming their ideas into tangible products for both national and international markets.
The top five schools and their projects include,
Government Secondary School, Gudun Kariya focused on planting palm trees to address the scarcity of palm oil.
Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada presented an innovative plastic waste management project turning waste into wealth in the Agwandodo community.
Government Secondary School, Kubwa tackled the issue of out-of-school children by linking underprivileged students with NGOs that can support their educational pursuit,
Government Secondary School, Kwali developed poultry feed from locally sourced materials, helping reduce the cost of production while improving food security and Glisten International Academy ,a private school among the public schools Introduced a sustainable, low-cost water purification system to solve the problem of unsafe drinking water
