Nexford University shortlists 3 student entrepreneurs for £1500 grant

Nexford University on Wednesday in Lagos shortlisted three out of 30 contestants in its Business Case Competition as finalists out of which one will win 1,500 euros grant.

Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin, Country Director, Nexford University, named the three finalists as Precious Aleaji of Stylebitt, Sarah Kassim of Serah Kassim of Bespoke Clothings and Opeolu And Emmanuela of AccessTech Innovation for the visually impaired.

She said the competition was part of the university’s activities for the second cohort Masters degree and Bachelors degree graduation scheduled for Sept.10.

Ogundoyin explained that the contestants were students of the university who were given an opportunity to showcase their business ideas to get the grant to support their businesses.

The institution’s country director stated that the three top finalists were nominated by a team of credible, competent and very objective judges.

“The overall winner will be announced at the graduation ceremony on Sept. 10 and would win a prize of 1,500 euros for capital, mentorship from Ventures Capitalist that support several businesses.

“The runner-up would get free advisory and mentorship support services,” she said.

According to her, Nexford as an institution, will continue to empower and support its students even beyond their academic journey.

Mrs Cathy Plunkett, Chief Academic Officer, Nexford University, expressed satisfaction with the performances of the contestants and noted that they were all winners.

Plunkett stated that the participants were expected to see the competition as a platform to improve their ideas and business plans to prepare their presentations for other grants across the globe.

She said the university would continue to support its students in terms of career building, sharpening skills, shop for job vacancies and empower them with all the skills needed at a workplace.

Mr Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer, YF Talent, commended the contestants for their excellent business ideas, and the university for organising the competition in a bid to give back.

Faseun, also one of the judges said the team of judges nominated the three finalists, after considering their business innovation, sustainability, profitability, the gap the individuals intended to fill in the market.

“I love the energy of the youth who contested and how they are using or intend to use technology to drive their businesses,” he said.

One of the finalists, Sarah Kassim, lauded the university for providing the platform for the competition.

Kassim, who is into ready to wear Bespoke clothings for women, said she intended to use the grant to build capacity of production and human capital for her existing business if she wins.

Nexford University is an online American University establishment in 2019 by Fadl Al Tarzi.

The online school offers undergraduate degrees in business administration, 360° marketing, Artifical Intelligence And automation, building technology startup, business analytics, business in emerging markets, digital transformation, e-commerce and product management.