How Enactus Nigeria contributes to socio-economic, entrepreneurship growth in 25 yrs – Ajayi

In the past 25 years of its existence, Enactus Nigeria, a non-profit organisation, has contributed to the socio-economic and entrepreneurial growth of Nigeria by grooming students in Tertiary institutions with the requisite knowledge to excel locally and internationally across various fields of endeavour. Michael Ajayi, Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, has said.

Speaking in Lagos during a media chat with journalists organised by the organisation to announce activities for its 25th anniversary, Ajayi said Enactus Nigeria since its establishment in year 2000 has among other profound contributions groomed students with many of its alumni now heading middle and senior level positions in local and global organisations and successful entrepreneurs contributing to the prosperity of Nigeria.

According to him, in the last 25 years, Enactus Nigeria has proved impactful, and its alumni are accomplishing giant strides across various sectors like technology, Innovation, Agriculture, business and NGOs.

Ajayi further said that throughout its history, the organisation has been a trailblazer in social enterprises, providing a nurturing platform where students in Nigerian universities and Polytechnics can thrive by identifying a social challenge in their environment and proffering a viable solution.

He said part of the activities to mark the anniversary will feature Enactus National Competition 2025, the celebration of some alumni, recognition and appreciation of corporate organisations and individuals who supported the organisation in the last 25 years.

“After 25 years, Enactus is celebrating its milestones in building the capacity of undergraduates by empowering them with social and entrepreneurial skills required to prepare them for future success,” Ajayi said.

The country director said a major highlight of the 25th anniversary, slated for July 3, will be the National Competition to showcase the ingenuity, doggedness, and outcome of over 12 months of hard work by Enactus Nigeria students.

He said that the name Enactus depicts entrepreneurial, innovation and problem solving, describing the two decades and a half of the organisation’s existence as an opportunity to groom young entrepreneurs who are passionate about how to solve problems and creating value in their communities by taking actionable steps.

Commenting further, Ajayi said that Enactus Nigeria, which was formerly known as Students in Free Enterprises (SIFE) emerged as a leading entrepreneurship force in the 21st century, at the forefront of providing students in Nigeria Tertiary institution with hands-on training and skills required to excel as entrepreneurs or in the world of corporate establishment.

Ajayi said that as a youth-focused campus student body that teaches free market enterprise and market economy, entrepreneurship, and leadership, the National competition will bring together Enactus students and academic leaders from over 16 tertiary institutions, as well as business leaders.

The highlight of the 25th anniversary of Enactus Nigeria will see teams from 16 Tertiary institutions across Nigeria present their various innovation created in communities to solve their problems. The winners of the competition will represent Nigeria at the global event later in the year.