KOICA, SKICAN Equip Nigerian Students with Digital Business and IP Skills.
By Raymond Enoch
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN) and JIPPCC, has organized a training workshop titled “SmartStart: Digital Business and IP Skills for Student Entrepreneurs.” The initiative is aimed at equipping Nigerian university students with practical entrepreneurship and intellectual property knowledge, positioning them to thrive in a fast-changing global economy.
Speaking on behalf of the KOICA Country Director, Deputy Country Director Mr. Gymin Lee noted that the workshop was designed to help students transition from academic life to real-world opportunities. He emphasized the value of exposing young Nigerians to innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property rights, encouraging participants to apply the knowledge gained to fuel personal growth and make meaningful contributions to society.
SKICAN President, Barrister Joseph Oboh, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of empowering undergraduates with the tools needed to become self-reliant, innovative, and globally competitive. He praised the Korean Government for its continued support in promoting entrepreneurship and intellectual property education in Nigeria, stressing that such efforts help close the gap between academic theory and practical experience.
Barrister Oboh further commended KOICA for its ongoing developmental efforts across Nigeria, describing the training as another milestone in the agency’s commitment to youth empowerment. He urged students to put their learning into action, not only for personal advancement but also for the benefit of their communities and the nation as a whole.
Facilitators from JIPPCC and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) delivered engaging and practical sessions focused on fostering entrepreneurial thinking, creating value, and avoiding social distractions that could derail academic or personal progress. They emphasized the central role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which currently contribute over 40 percent to Nigeria’s GDP and employ more than 80 percent of the national workforce.
Throughout the day, students took part in a series of interactive and hands-on sessions covering topics such as the fundamentals of patents, trademarks, and copyrights in Nigeria; steps to protect and monetize their innovations; and the legal requirements for entering international markets. Practical activities on product packaging and branding were also included, along with question-and-answer sessions where students engaged directly with industry experts.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the workshop’s practical approach, describing the training as eye-opening and empowering. Many pledged to integrate the knowledge gained into their academic work and future ventures, viewing the experience as a launching pad for their entrepreneurial journeys.
The event underscored the shared commitment of the Korean and Nigerian governments to youth development, highlighting a growing partnership focused on nurturing a new generation of innovative, self-reliant, and globally competitive Nigerian entrepreneurs.
