Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to scale-up programmes that cultivate students’ creativity and entrepreneurship skills to change the world. Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, stated this at the grand finale and award ceremony of the FCT-Brunel Innovation Challenge.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the challenge was organised by the Brunel University Business School, London, and the FCT Education Secretariat to promote entrepreneurship among secondary school students. Represented by the Director, Department of Higher Education, Mr Siyanbola Olumuyiwa, the mandate secretary said that FCT was building an education system that empowers young people with skills and confidence to shape the future.
He emphasized that the students’ innovative ideas are a testament to what is possible when education is anchored in innovation and supported by visionary leadership. He described the event as more than just a competition, but a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the limitless potential of students to provide practical solutions to societal challenges.
Hayyo commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his unwavering support for education, youth empowerment, and transformative partnerships. He noted that Wike’s leadership continues to inspire initiatives positioning Abuja as a beacon of excellence in education and innovation. Addressing the students, Hayyo encouraged them by acknowledging their enthusiasm for new ideas and their courage in tackling problems, stating that they are already winners and ambassadors of a new, innovative generation.
Dr Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, highlighted the innovation challenge as a meeting point for creativity and opportunity. Represented by Mrs Pamele Mbanefo, Director/Principal, Nigeria-Korea Model School, Abuja, Ladan stressed the potential of ideas to change the world if properly harnessed. He urged students to explore new possibilities, disrupt conventional thinking, and showcase their brilliance in making a difference.
The competition concluded with Glisten International Academy emerging as the winner, while Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada and GSS Kwali secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.