By Lilian U. Okoro
Twelve student companies are competing for top honours at Junior Achievement Nigeria’s (JAN) 2026 National Company of the Year Competition on Wednesday.
Speaking at a virtual media conference on Tuesday in Lagos, ahead of the event, Tobiloba Olaosun, Head of Marketing and Communications, JAN, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to youth entrepreneurship and practical education.
The competition, with the theme – “Augmenting Innovation,” will showcase business ideas developed by students through the School-to-Work Educational Transition for Long-Term Youth Fulfilment (SET4LYF) programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winning company will represent Nigeria at the African Company of the Year Competition.
“We have seen how entrepreneurship can become a meaningful pathway for young people, including through success stories such as Iyin Aboyeji, a serial entrepreneur and former JAN board member,” Olaosun said.
She called for more partnerships to expand opportunities for young people to develop their entrepreneurial potential and translate innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Olaosun said the competition would demonstrate how experiential learning could help young people build confidence, explore career opportunities and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
“The support of our partners, teachers and mentors is essential to ensuring that these young innovators can turn their ideas into sustainable solutions,” she said.
The Acting Executive Director of JAN, Olaolu Akogun, emphasised the importance of helping young people apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations through practical learning experiences.
“The competition is designed to move learning beyond the classroom by giving students the opportunity to test their ideas in real-life business situations,” Akogun said.
NAN also reports that the SET4LYF programme equips girls with entrepreneurial, problem-solving and work-readiness skills to support their transition from school into further education, meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
“Through the SET4LYF programme, students are gaining the confidence and skills needed to make informed decisions about their education, careers and future businesses,” Olaosun said.
Through activities including Ideathon, JA DEEP and the Company Programme, participants gain practical experience in business development, financial management, marketing, teamwork and decision-making.
“The practical activities help participants understand that innovation is not only about creating products, but also about solving problems and responding to the needs of their communities,” Akogun said.
“The second and third place winners will receive $150 and $100, respectively, while another $100 prize will recognise outstanding corporate social responsibility among participating companies.”
The organisers noted that Food Concepts, through its Chicken Republic brand, would also recognise the company with the best marketing and sales strategy.
Also, the Project Management Institute Nigeria Chapter would award certificates to participating student companies.
The event would also recognise teachers, mentors, volunteers, implementing partners and other stakeholders supporting students through entrepreneurship education and skills development.
The competition also formed part of JAN’s broader efforts to prepare young Nigerians for a changing economy through financial literacy, digital literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship education.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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