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BĒTÁ NIGERIA Education Roundtable

Programmes /

As Nigerians, we love our country’s rich culture and we feel proud of the amazing people it has produced. Nevertheless, it’s disheartening to observe the declining state of education in our primary schools, which were once beacons of excellence. Instead of getting better, things seem to be going backward, posing significant challenges for future generations. Recent research showed that approximately one in five of the world’s out-of-school children are Nigerian, totalling more than 10 million boys and girls. This staggering statistic highlights a critical issue that demands urgent attention. However, in the middle of these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges – Bētá Nigeria. This is a campaign that aims to make education a top priority for all citizens of Nigeria. It is a coalition comprising civil society, media, and citizens. Its goal is to introduce new voices into the discussion on education reform, advocate for improved education outcomes, recognize successes, promote innovation, and ensure government accountability. Bētá Nigeria is funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), but it is run by Nigerians for Nigerians. It has a simple mission – get every child in school, make them stay in school and have access to quality education. The first step towards achieving this mission is by launching a series of roundtable discussions in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Abuja with dedicated individuals passionate about improving education outcomes for Nigerian children. These discussions will focus on education reform, specifically what needs to change to make education a stronger investment in Nigeria’s future, and how we can work together to achieve these goals. The first discussion kicked off on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in the Kano Capital Primary School Hall, Kano State. Among the partnership invitations sent was one to Startup Kano The discussions encompassed several key topics:  Beginning with an exploration of the significance of education and emphasizing its benefits. Strategies for boosting education reform efforts Investing in the future generations Ways to capitalize on existing momentum Our vibrant and youthful population offers a significant opportunity. By ensuring that Nigerian children attend school, stay enrolled, and acquire knowledge, we can create a more secure, resilient, and prosperous Nigeria. Achieving this requires increased investment in education and empowering the next generation.

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2024: The Year So far

Newletter, Update /

As we find ourselves in the last month of the first quarter, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the vibrant start that January and February have brought to Startup Kano. These months were full of activities, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary year. Here’s a look at the highlights that have shaped our journey so far January January was indeed a month of collaborative initiatives. The commitments in January set the stage for a year defined by collective growth and knowledge exchange. Here’s a glimpse into what has transpired: Nigerian Philanthropy Office (NPO) Launch (January 12th) On January 12th, the Nigerian Philanthropy Office (NPO) was officially launched. This event was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The NPO aims to establish 12 Mega Hubs nationwide, signalling a promising era for startups and small businesses. Startup Kano is proud to be part of this transformative initiative, providing opportunities, tools, and resources for startups and innovators, particularly women-led enterprises. Entrepreneurship Roundtable at Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) (January 24th) After the launch of NPO, the next event was a two-hour entrepreneurship roundtable forum hosted by the management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) on January 24th. The session, aimed at supporting students in their career journeys, brought together seasoned entrepreneurs. Startup Kano was graciously invited to share professional experiences and insights on the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset. The Executive Director, Aisha Tofa, represented the Startup Kano team, contributing valuable perspectives to the entrepreneurial discussion. Hub Managers Workshop (January 25th-26th) In January, there was also a dynamic Hub Managers Workshop. This event, held on the 25th and 26th, was meticulously crafted for hub managers and owners. The workshop aimed to provide a collaborative platform and a sustainable framework for advancing hubs. Attendees engaged in knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions, setting the tone for a year of innovation and collaboration within Startup Kano. Digital Kano Bootcamp (Started on January 31st) Simultaneously, Startup Kano proudly assumed the role of the official Training Partner for Digital Kano Bootcamp. Launched on January 31st, the goal was to provide essential digital literacy training for 1,500 individuals from the Northern region. This initiative aimed to empower participants, bridging the digital divide and preparing them for the challenges of the digital age. February Moving from the amazing happenings in January, February was all about having important talks and getting creative at Startup Kano. We had lots of discussions that set our strategy and also explored the artistic side of things. Let’s take a closer look at what went down in the second month of 2024. Train the Trainer Workshop for PWDs (February 7th) On February 7th, Startup Kano organized a transformative “Train the Trainer” workshop dedicated to People with Disabilities (PWDs). The workshop was to empower individuals with disabilities through training opportunities and promote inclusivity across various sectors. This initiative highlighted Startup Kano’s commitment to fostering diversity and creating equal opportunities within the community. Stakeholder Engagement and Launch of NEW-G (February 13th) In February, Startup Kano played a pivotal role in a crucial stakeholder roundtable hosted by UNDP Nigeria and the Northern Founders Community. Held on February 13th, this event engaged key players in the innovation space to discuss the state of the Northern ecosystem. Aisha Tofa, Startup Kano’s Executive Director, led the discussions and unveiled the Northern Ecosystem Working Group (NEW-G). This strategic initiative was introduced to catalyze the emergence and growth of the innovation landscape in Northern Nigeria. SHENi Workshop + Seminar (February 22nd-25th) Towards the end of February, Salamatu Adamu led a captivating SHENi Workshop + Seminar. This event, held from the 22nd to the 25th, featured a product presentation and photography workshop. Salamatu Adamu also launched “The Epiphany Magic Book,” a comprehensive guide on product presentation and photography. The workshop not only showcased artistic exploration but also provided practical insights for individuals interested in enhancing their skills in product presentation and photography. The year is still young, and the journey at Startup Kano is far from over. The exciting initiatives we’ve witnessed in the first quarter are just the beginning. Stay tuned for more events, collaborations, and milestones as we navigate the rest of the year together. Your endless support and contributions fuel our commitment to innovation and growth. Here’s to the adventures yet to unfold and the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to a year filled with continued success and meaningful impact!

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Entrepreneurial Wisdom at Skyline University

Update /

In the exciting world of business, Skyline University recently hosted an inspiring roundtable discussion featuring some of the most innovative minds, with Start-up Kano right in the midst of it. This marked the fourth collaboration between Start-up Kano and the university, sharing valuable insights with final-year students, and guiding them toward success in the entrepreneurial world. The university graciously invited Startup Kano to share professional experience and thoughts on the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset, and the team was proudly represented by the Executive Director, Aisha Tofa. Why Start Young? Starting your entrepreneurial journey early offers numerous benefits. Young minds are adaptable and resilient, making it easier to navigate the unpredictable business world. “Don’t think that you are in Skyline University and boast about your parent’s wealth. Success is more about the effort you put in than your background. Besides your parents will be proud and be willing to do more for you if you do more for yourself” -Aisha Tofa Starting early provides more time to learn from mistakes and improve ideas. The focus on being energetic aligns perfectly with the idea that youthful determination can drive innovation and long-term success. Most young entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to take risks. They are always willing to try new things. Their eagerness and lack of fear help them be adventurous and open to experimenting with different ideas. Moreover, this fearlessness can be a valuable quality, allowing individuals to explore new opportunities and take on challenges without being held back by too many worries. It’s a positive mindset that can shape the early stages of a professional journey. What to Keep In Mind Mentorship Aisha Tofa emphasized the significance of mentorship in the journey of an entrepreneur. “It’s quite important to have a mentor,” she shared with enthusiasm. “However, don’t just bump into them with an empty hand. Make sure you have something tangible to present. Have value and bring something of value to the table.” Connections can make quite a huge difference. Moreover, approaching a mentor with a clear understanding of what you can contribute sets the foundation for a meaningful and reciprocal relationship. Effective Communication When you’re running a business, it’s not just about talking well; it’s about making sure everyone understands your ideas. Sometimes, you may be talking to people who might invest in your business, sometimes to your team, and other times to customers, whichever the case may be, being able to explain things clearly is super important. Practice talking about your business in a simple way, and be open to feedback. Clear communication helps everyone understand each other better and builds good relationships, which are really important for making your business work well. Networking Networking is a powerful tool. This is not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building relationships and being present in the right places at the right time. Attending events and making connections can lead to unexpected opportunities. Tofa’s advice, “You don’t know where you will meet the right helping hands,” reminds us that every networking opportunity can shape your entrepreneurial journey. Continuous Learning: What you see today can be old school tomorrow; that’s how the world of starting business works. This is why it is super important to keep learning all the time. Stay curious and never stop growing. This means taking classes, going to workshops, or attending events to get better at what you do. When you’re always learning, you become better at solving problems and can adapt to changes easily. Remember, being open to learning from both good and not-so-good experiences is a big key to making your business successful. Starting early, staying curious, and learning continuously, along with effective communication, networking, and mentorship, are keys to navigating the unpredictable business journey. With this guidance, future business leaders can confidently enter the business world, ready for long-term success. The shared wisdom not only inspires but also sets the stage for a new wave of determined and innovative entrepreneurs.

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