By Sharon Emephia
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN) and JIPPCC, has organized a training and workshop themed “SmartStart: Digital Business and IP Skills for Student Entrepreneurs.” The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of young Nigerian undergraduates by equipping them with practical skills to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Country Director of KOICA Nigeria, Mr. Gymin Lee representing the Country Director, emphasized that the program was designed to prepare undergraduates for life beyond the classroom.
He highlighted the importance of exposing students to entrepreneurship opportunities, innovation management, and intellectual property rights, urging participants to maximize the knowledge gained to foster self-development and contribute meaningfully to society.
In his welcome address, the President of SKICAN, Barrister Joseph Oboh, noted that the training is aimed at empowering university students with the knowledge and tools to become innovative, self-reliant, and globally competitive. He commended the Korean Government for its continued support in promoting entrepreneurship and intellectual property education in Nigeria, stressing that such initiatives bridge the gap between academic learning and practical entrepreneurial experience.
Barrister Oboh further applauded KOICA for its consistent developmental interventions across Nigeria, describing the training as another milestone in empowering Nigerian youths. He urged participants to apply the lessons learned, not only for personal growth but also for the advancement of their communities and the nation at large.
Resource persons from JIPPCC and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) facilitated highly engaging sessions, underscoring the need for an entrepreneurial mindset, value creation, and the avoidance of negative vices that could hinder personal or academic progress. They also highlighted the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which currently contribute over 40% to Nigeria’s GDP and employ more than 80% of the workforce. Students were encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence, creativity, and sustainable development.
The one-day workshop featured interactive and practical sessions on:
Understanding patents, trademarks, and copyrights in Nigeria
Steps to protect ideas and innovations
Monetizing innovation for personal and national growth
Hands-on product packaging activities
Legal requirements for entering foreign markets
Interactive Q&A sessions with experts
Participants expressed their excitement at the hands-on approach of the training, describing it as both impactful and inspiring. They pledged to combine the knowledge acquired with their academic pursuits to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
This initiative underscores the strong commitment of the Government and people of Korea to working closely with Nigeria and the private sector to develop a new generation of Nigerian youths who are not only academically sound, but also entrepreneurial, innovative, and globally competitive.
