The launch of an undergraduate internship program by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) aims to identify, train, and empower future entrepreneurs on campuses across the country. The agency’s Director General, Charles Odii, announced at the official launch held at Baze University in Abuja that the program targets 10,000 internship placements in 2024.
In a statement signed by the DG media aide, Peter Adeshina, Mr. Odii revealed that SMEDAN has secured commitments from prestigious firms to provide opportunities for students seeking practical knowledge and experience through the program. Miss Farida Akuyam, a Business Management student at the university, was unveiled as the pioneer participant of the program.
The initiative, known as the “SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Programme,” is designed to offer hands-on entrepreneurial experience to students through quality internships at renowned organizations. According to Mr. Odii, the program is a significant step towards nurturing future entrepreneurs and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to advancing the MSME sub-sector through investments in talent and innovation.
Selected students will receive specialized training, experiential learning, networking opportunities, and mentorship as part of the program.