FCTA fosters Students’ Innovation as Winners triumphs in Abuja Innovation Challenge

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, has taken a significant step towards fostering creativity and entrepreneurial skills among students.

The inaugural Abuja Innovation Challenge concluded with a grand display of youthful ingenuity, as Glisten International Academy emerged as the overall winner.

The competition, which featured public and private schools from across the FCT, showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges. Glisten International Academy secured the top position with their low-cost, chemical-free water purification device, designed to provide accessible clean water to underserved communities in Abuja.

The Team Lead of the Brunel Entrepreneurship Education Programme, Dr Nan Jiang, praised the project for its social impact and potential to improve public health.

Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwagwalada claimed second place with a creative recycling project that transforms discarded plastic into useful household items such as bags, flower vases, pencil holders, room decorations, and skipping ropes. Dr Jiang commended the initiative for addressing waste management while also economically empowering students.

In third place, GSS, Kwali presented a cost-effective poultry feed made from local resources, including maize, moringa, soya beans, papaya leaves, and animal bone. The innovative blend is aimed at boosting food production in rural areas.

At the grand finale and award ceremony, Dr Danlami Hayyo, Secretary for Education, reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to nurturing students’ creativity and entrepreneurship skills. Represented by the Director of the Department of Higher Education, Mr Siyanbola Olumuyiwa, Dr Hayyo emphasised that the FCT is building an educational system that equips young people with the skills to shape the future. He commended the FCT Minister, Bar Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for his steadfast support of education and youth empowerment.

Ms Pamela Mbanefo, Director/Principal of Nigeria-Korea Model School, described the Abuja Innovation Challenge as a platform where creativity meets opportunity. She noted that the competition encourages students not only to present ideas but to develop practical solutions to modern problems.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Mr Musa Nuhu, Programme Coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s goal of equipping students with practical skills to turn innovative ideas into viable products.

He described the challenge as a flagship initiative under the FCTA-Brunel Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme.

The principal of GSS Gwagwalada, Mr Victor Orifah, expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration for promoting student innovation, noting that the FCT Education Secretariat is committed to raising job creators rather than job seekers.

The colourful event concluded with the presentation of plaques and certificates from Brunel University Business School, UK, to the winners. The students expressed appreciation to the organisers for creating a platform to unlock their potential and contribute to societal empowerment.