The 2024 National Company of the Year (NCOY) Competition, hosted by Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) in Lagos, brought together 12 exceptional student-led companies from across Nigeria. Under the theme “Greenovation,” these young innovators presented sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.
Following a competitive showcase, Smart Sprout from Darun Noor Intercontinental School in Kano claimed the top spot with its innovative smart sprinkler system, which improves irrigation efficiency and supports sustainable farming. Their win earned them a spot at the renowned Africa Company of the Year (ACOY) Competition in Mauritius, where they proudly represented Nigeria on an international platform.
Other outstanding teams are, De Amazons from Innovative Heritage School, Nasarawa, for second place with their organic marker ink, while Greencycle from Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Akwa Ibom, secured third place with their eco-friendly bags made from recycled plantain stems. Special awards included the PMIEF Best CSR Award (Innovative Heritage School, Nasarawa), the Female Leadership Award (Hauwa Abdullahi Sulaimon), and the CEO of the Year (Gideon Tambari George, Government Senior Secondary School, Rivers State). The Trailblazers from Enugu State also won the Public Choice Award, sponsored by Boeing, for their remarkable project engagement, while Delta Air Lines recognized 15 female participants for their exceptional performances, sponsoring their trip to attend the 2025 LEAD Camp in Ghana.
Read Also: Court declines Anyanwu’s request to stop INEC from dealing with PDP without him
At the Africa Company of the Year (ACOY 2024) in Mauritius, Smart Sprout showcased their innovation alongside student companies from across Africa. Their commitment to sustainability, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship stood out, earning them the MIPS Excellence in Technology and Innovation Award. Additionally, their facilitator, Hajia Hadiza Yusuf Baba, was honored with the Best Facilitator Award, recognizing her dedication to mentorship and youth empowerment.
Reflecting on these remarkable achievements, Ugonna Achebe, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, remarked: “The ingenuity and leadership demonstrated by these students are truly inspiring. Their ability to address real-world challenges through sustainable innovation proves that Nigeria’s future is in capable hands. We deeply appreciate our sponsors – First Bank, PMIEF, and Boeing for their commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers”.
Through the Company Program, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) continues to empower young entrepreneurs, helping them turn ideas into impact and equipping them to lead the way in building a more sustainable and innovative future”.