Schneider Electric, Enactus Partner To Drive Youth Entrepreneurial Devt

Schneider Electric has reinforced its commitment to train one million students by 2025 through a strategic partnership with Enactus, an international nonprofit organisation. This initiative is designed to empower young leaders to leverage innovation and business ideas to create a sustainable future for all.

The partnership with Enactus, signed in 2023, aims to build entrepreneurial skills and foster sustainable development among young people for impact and transformation.

Through this collaboration, Schneider Electric supports three key initiatives: the Core Program, the Battery Innovation Challenge, and a dedicated Mentorship Programme. These initiatives are significantly making an impact, as thousands of youths are creating innovative solutions for daily problems in their communities.

This was displayed at the Enactus national finale competition held at the Civic Centre, where 12 out of 30 tertiary institutions qualified to present their solutions across the Core Program and Battery Innovation Challenge categories. Schneider Electric sponsored the Battery Innovation Challenge and awarded grants to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners: The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Benue State University, and Kaduna Polytechnic, recognising their outstanding contributions to sustainable energy solutions.

These grants will enable Enactus student teams to refine their pilot projects based on community feedback and provide access to laboratories, technical experts, and other resources necessary to advance their initiatives.

Present at the National competition finals were: Omobolanle Omotayo, marketing communications manager, Schneider Electric; Michael Ajayi, country director, Enactus Nigeria; Funmilayo Olakitan, Access to Education Project Coordinator, Schneider Electric West Africa.

; Belema Koleoso, Senior System and Architecture Engineer, Schneider Electric; Uche Nnadi, Channel and Distribution Manager, Schneider Electric; and Adebayo Adeniran, Tendering Manager, Schneider Electric, among others.

Speaking on the impact of the initiatives, Funmilayo Olakitan, Access to Education project coordinator, Schneider Electric, West Africa, said, “The Enactus initiative has nurtured the mindsets of youth. I have witnessed students work together, form alliances, secure sponsorships, and experience a feeling of success. As they commit to sustainable development in their communities, we are honoured to support these young innovators.

The Core Programme and Battery Innovation Challenge impacted 1,164 and 3193 youths respectively, while the Mentorship Programme is guiding over 20 young individuals on their journey to becoming innovative leaders in the energy sector.” she said.

The country director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi highlighted the significance of the partnership with Schneider Electric in the Battery Innovation Challenge, “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric has significantly strengthened our efforts at Enactus Nigeria, enabling us to connect with students across the nation, motivate them to realise their full potential, and provide the essential resources needed to sustain and develop their projects. As a result of this partnership, we have impacted over 3,193 students, who participated in the 27 energy transition workshops organised and hosted by Enactus teams in 12 communities throughout the country,” he said.

Marketing communications manager, Schneider Electric, added that, “At Schneider Electric, we believe in the power of young minds to create a sustainable future. Our partnership with Enactus is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

Schneider Electric’s dedication to education and sustainability is further exemplified through these initiatives, which not only provide students with valuable skills and knowledge but also address critical global issues.

By 2025, Schneider Electric aims to have a transformative impact on the lives of one million students worldwide, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in a sustainable world.