ENACTUS, an acronym for “Entrepreneurial Action in Us,” is a global nonprofit organisation that empowers students to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world through entrepreneurial action.
Originally known as Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), the organisation rebranded in 2012 to better reflect its mission of fostering social innovation. ENACTUS brings together university student teams to tackle critical social, economic, and environmental challenges. Their projects focus on creating lasting impact, with teams competing annually to showcase innovative and sustainable solutions.
The ENACTUS team from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly the University of Agriculture, Makurdi), has risen as a beacon of excellence in this esteemed organisation. In 2024, it secured the title of National Champions in the Enactus Nigeria National Competition, a significant achievement that underscores the team’s ingenuity, teamwork, and dedication to addressing pressing global issues.
At the heart of the team’s success lies its groundbreaking project, ECORESIN, which tackles the ever-growing plastic waste crisis through innovation. ECORESIN involves the creation of biodegradable polymers using agricultural and plant-based materials such as cassava and invasive water hyacinths. This approach reduces reliance on conventional plastics and provides an environmentally friendly alternative for shopping bags, food packaging, and seedling wrappers.
Unlike traditional plastics which persist in the environment for centuries, ECORESIN polymers decompose naturally, leaving behind no harmful residues. Remarkably, these materials can even transform into fertiliser, offering a dual benefit of pollution reduction and enhanced soil fertility. This innovative solution is a prime example of how entrepreneurial action can drive sustainability while addressing urgent environmental challenges.
The ECORESIN project was presented at the Enactus Nigeria National Competition at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The team’s creativity and impact earned it the top prize in a competition against 32 universities, including finalists from Ahmadu Bello University, Adekunle Ajasin University, and Bamidele Olumilua University. This event marked a return to in-person competitions after years of virtual engagements due to the pandemic, making the victory even more memorable.
ECORESIN’s authenticity and transformative potential were validated through a rigorous audit conducted by Enactus headquarters from August 8–12, 2024. Beyond winning the national competition, the project gained additional acclaim by securing a spot among the Top 6 in the Action with Africa Challenge, a specialised initiative by ENACTUS to solve socio-economic issues across Africa.
This international recognition reflects the team’s ability to craft scalable, impactful solutions that resonate far beyond its immediate environment.
The ENACTUS team at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University has a rich history of projects designed to empower local communities and drive positive change. Past initiatives have focused on sustainable farming practices, financial literacy for rural areas, and empowerment programmes for small-scale farmers. These projects highlight the university’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among its students, equipping them with the tools to identify and solve real-world problems.
The team’s approach is rooted in creating solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and community-focused. By addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation, the team demonstrates the transformative power of social entrepreneurship.
The Enactus Nigeria National Competition victory and the Action with Africa Challenge recognition solidify Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University’s reputation as a hub for innovation and social responsibility. Its success with ECORESIN showcases the profound impact of student-led initiatives in addressing global issues.
The project’s dual focus on environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly practices. By turning invasive species like water hyacinth into a valuable resource, the team demonstrates the potential of innovative thinking to create opportunities from challenges.
Through ENACTUS, students at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University are learning about entrepreneurship and gaining firsthand experience in creating meaningful impact. Their journey embodies the ENACTUS ethos of “seeing opportunity, taking action, and enabling progress.”
The ECORESIN project has set a benchmark for what can be achieved when young minds are empowered to think creatively and act decisively. It inspires other universities and encourages more students to pursue projects that drive sustainable development.
A Bright Future Ahead
The ENACTUS team at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University represents the best of what student-led initiatives can achieve. Its success story is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and determination. By addressing complex challenges with practical, scalable solutions, the team contributes to its local community and the global push for sustainability and social progress.
These remarkable achievements make the team deserving nominees for the Young Person of the Year Award, a recognition that would further highlight the importance of empowering young leaders to drive change. As they continue to refine and expand their projects, the ENACTUS team at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University is poised to remain a force for good, demonstrating the incredible potential of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better world.
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