The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has embarked on an ambitious mission to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among young individuals. The agency recently unveiled its Undergraduate Internship Programme, aimed at identifying, training, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs within campuses across the country.
During the official launch of the programme at Baze University in Abuja, Charles Odii, the Director-General of SMEDAN, announced a bold target of providing 10,000 internship placements through the programme in 2024. This initiative represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical business experience for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In a statement released by the agency’s Director General’s media aide, Peter Adeshina, Mr. Odii emphasized that the agency has garnered the support of prestigious firms committed to offering valuable opportunities for students to gain practical knowledge and experience. At the launch event, Miss Farida Akuyam, a Business Management student at Baze University, was introduced as a pioneer participant of the programme, symbolizing the potential and impact of the initiative.
Referred to as the “SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Programme,” this venture is meticulously crafted to imbue participating students with hands-on entrepreneurial experience through high-quality internships at reputable organizations. Mr. Odii stated, “We aim to identify and cultivate the future drivers of Nigeria’s burgeoning businesses, and this programme is a significant leap in that direction. It underscores the agency’s unwavering dedication to advancing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sub-sector by strategically investing in talent and innovation. Selected students will receive specialized training, experiential learning, unparalleled networking opportunities, and mentorship, nurturing their entrepreneurial acumen and potential.”
SMEDAN’s Internship Programme is set to make a profound impact on the landscape of entrepreneurship in Nigeria, ushering in a new era of empowered and equipped young business leaders poised to contribute to the economic development of the nation.
