In a bid to equip more young people with the mindset and skills that will enable them build thriving communities while proffering sustainable solutions to contemporary problems, Junior Achievement Nigeria has successfully implemented its annual Venture in Management Program.
The 22nd edition which is proudly funded by Parthian Partners, GB Foods and Mastercard was held between August 22nd – 27th, 2022 and introduced 100 selected members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to the different facets of managing a business, making crucial business decisions, and developing skills for management.
For the second time, the program was implemented in a hybrid mode, giving more opportunity to reach more graduates than the previous years.
The week-long program was held in the Prestigious Lagos Business School and led by faculty from the institution. Some key industry leaders also came to class to share practical experiences to prepare the future business leaders for the responsibilities, opportunities and demands of tomorrow’s business world.
Some of the sessions were: Analysis of Business Problems by Dr. Yetunde Anibaba; Negotiation Skills by Dr. Uche Attoh; Principles of Business Ethics by Dr. Margaret Isebor; Case discussion on Motivation by Dr. Eugene Ohu: Entrepreneurship Essentials by Dr. Henrientta Onwuegbuzie; Presentation and Interpersonal Skills by Lucille Ossai; Future of Work by Dr. Akin Oparison; Branding and Digital Marketing in the Social Media Age by Oluwafemi Adeniba and an Experience Sharing Session by Rotimi Olawale, Founder and CEO JR Farms Ltd. etc. One of our ViMP Alumnus (2003) and also the Country Manager of GB Foods, Mr. Vincent Egbe was also in class to share practical business insight and advice to the participants.
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The curriculum included stimulating classroom sessions, case studies, panel discussions, networking, study groups, guest speakers and recreation, culminating in a strategy workshop, during which the participants presented solutions to real-world case studies. The participants also pitched business ideas to a panel of judges, led by the Lagos Business School faculty, this formed the climax of the week-long activities in class. Thereafter, there was presentation of awards to the most outstanding participants, and also certificates to participants.
ViMP 2022 was sponsored by Parthian Partners, GB Foods and Mastercard, and implemented with the support of some notable organizations including: Verraki Partners and Channels Television.
Due to the support of our various sponsors and partners, the prestigious program has continued to remain free to all participants.
The Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Foluso Gbadamosi said: “Youth unemployment, and the need for young people to be self-sustaining and prepared for the world of work are some of the most urgent challenges facing our society today and it is imperative that we expose young people to what they require to succeed, reduce the rate of unemployment, as well as a sustainable future. One of the major highlights for this program is a Career Fair where we connected the participants with top organizations. We’ve recorded outstanding success stories through this career fair. I therefore use this opportunity to call for more support as we continue to prepare more young people to succeed in a global economy”.
Also commenting about her participation in the program, Temilade Adelakun said: most outstanding female participant said: “Being a VIMP 2022 participant was transformational for me. I have always wanted to have a taste of what MBA looks and feels like. VIMP gave me this experience and much more. We analyzed and brainstormed case studies that relate to the local problems we experience in Nigeria.
“We had outstanding lecturers from Lagos Business School faculty lecture us on relevant business and career topics. The alumni mixer was also another highlight for me as I got to interact with VIMP alumni who are senior managers in various industries. It was a great and fun learning experience and I am really grateful to Junior Achievement Nigeria, Lagos Business School, Parthian Partners, GB Foods and Mastercard”.
Expressing his excitement about the program, the most outstanding male participant, Christian Agu said: “My experience at ViMP was transforming, life-changing and divine. I had a mind shift and the best time of my life. The people, the group task, case studies, the classes at Lagos Business School, the facilitators, the food, accommodation, and the event generally shaped and changed my life.
“I sat under the same roof with scholars and the brightest minds in the world creating solutions to Africa’s problems. After ViMP, my life and approach to work changed, I saw my job as a way to make people’s lives better and also serve God. This is the best Graduate program in Nigeria and I would recommend it to every young graduate”.