Phoenix project to reel out eight new courses, awards entrepreneurs in creative space

Nigeria’s creative learning platform, The Phoenix Project, has stated its intention to create at least eight courses to cater for more creatives.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Accelerate, the body handling the project, Colette Otusheso, said the courses, which would focus on photography, filmmaking and other areas in the sector, which students have shown interested in, are going to be added to the curriculum for the next batch.

She disclosed this at The Phoenix Project Pitch, where five young entrepreneurs were awarded a total of N5 million in grants for their businesses. The winners were selected from 12 finalists who pitched their ideas to a panel of judges.
“The Phoenix Project plans to train more learners and incubate more ideas in 2023, offer more internship opportunities and add eight new courses to the existing 12 being offered on The Phoenix Project Online Learning Educational Platform. These courses are accessible to all creative minds,” she said.

The project, which was launched in April 2022, provides training and support for individuals seeking to launch a career in the Nigerian creative industry. The three-tiered programme include, the beginner (virtual), intermediate and advanced levels (physical) in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, and a three-month incubation programme called the Phoenix Den at the Nest Innovation Tech Park.
“We have recorded tremendous successes since we launched in 2022 and this event is a testament that Nigeria is full of innovative young minds. Our course facilitators and partners at the Pan-Atlantic University, School of Media and Communication, as well as the Nest Innovation Hub, while and our internship partners have helped us impact young minds with the requisite knowledge they need to stand out in the Nigerian creative ecosystem. The ideas of the five entrepreneurs, who were awarded grants of a million naira each, have proven to be viable, authentic and scalable. That is why the judges deemed them fit for the grant,” Otusheso said.

Head, Non-Financial Services, Emerging Businesses at Access Bank Plc, Chioma Ogwo, explained that the Project is an initiative that can grow the Nigerian creative industry.
“It’s inspiring to see that despite the trend of many young people leaving the country, there are still those who are dedicated to driving Nigeria’s progress in the creative industry. At Access Bank, we are thrilled to be a part of this movement by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. We provide access to finance, training, as well as a network of like-minded entrepreneurs for support,” she stated.