Oxford-developed programmes are now open for Nigerian startups
Aspiring entrepreneurs and innovative startups from Nigeria are encouraged to apply for two new entrepreneurship programs developed by the University of Oxford.
The Oxford Foundry, University of Oxford, and FMDQ Private Markets Limited announced a global partnership in July with the goal of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between the UK and Nigerian angel investment communities.
Through co-created programs, the partnership focuses on high-potential sectors such as technology, agriculture, green industries, and healthcare, with applications now open for two of these.
The first is the Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Programme (YELP), a four-month online program designed for aspiring young Nigerian leaders aged 21-35 that will provide them with the skills, resources, and networks they need to make a positive difference in their community and country.
The Oxford Foundry at the University of Oxford and FMDQ Private Markets Ltd program is aimed at young people who want to contribute to the achievement of one or more of Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants will participate in a customized leadership curriculum that includes roundtable discussions with world leaders in business and entrepreneurship, masterclasses to help build leadership skills, and online community social events.
The online program is part-time (minimum of 10 hours per month) and runs from April to August. There are twenty spots available, and the initiative is free.
The second program is Innovate Nigeria, a two-week intensive accelerator aimed at assisting Nigerian innovation-driven startups in becoming scalable enterprises with the potential to create transformative social and economic impact.
Successful applicants will receive a bespoke curriculum focusing on core entrepreneurship and venture building skills, one-on-one coaching with the Oxford Foundry’s network of experts, leadership training, investor introductions, and opportunities to pitch to investors.
Purpose-driven startups with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) based on an innovation that provides a significant competitive advantage over existing companies are encouraged to apply.
The online program begins at the end of March, and there are five spots available for the free initiative. Applicants must ensure that they are able to commit to a minimum of 25 hours of programming per week before applying.
Applicants for both programs must apply online here by January 31 at 11:59 p.m. WAT.
