IN a strategic move to build the next generation of business leaders and catalysts for economic growth, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has successfully concluded the 2026 edition of its prestigious Venture in Management Program (ViMP).
The intensive programme convened 100 of Nigeria’s brightest young professionals selected from across the country for an immersive, learning experience designed to equip them with cutting-edge management, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills required to grow sustainable businesses and accelerate national transformation.

Held from August 31 to September 4, 2026, under the theme “Growing Impactful Businesses for National Transformation,” the programme combined practical business education, case studies, and engagement with industry leaders. The cohort comprised 50 virtual participants and 50 in-person participants at Lagos Business School.
This year’s edition was supported by GB Foods as headline sponsor, bringing an added connection to the program through Vincent Egbe, Managing Director of GB Foods Nigeria, who is also a ViMP alumnus.
His journey from program alumnus to business leader reflects the connection ViMP seeks to build between developing young professionals and the business community in which they will grow and lead.

The five-day programme offered an immersive learning experience, combining practical business education, case-study sessions, and engagement with experienced business and industry leaders.
Through these sessions, the cohort gained practical insights into management, leadership, and business development while strengthening the analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills needed to navigate today’s dynamic business environment.
The programme also provided opportunities for the young professionals to engage with experienced industry leaders and gain perspectives on Nigeria’s evolving business landscape.

One of the key sessions featured Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), who shared insights on business growth, innovation, leadership, and the financial ecosystem.
Beyond the classroom, ViMP 2026 incorporated a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, with the cohort visiting three communities.
The engagement encouraged the young professionals to connect with communities, understand social needs, and reflect on the role of responsible leadership in creating sustainable impact.

Speaking on the completion of the programme the Acting Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, said: “The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing the calibre of young professionals we had in the room. Their energy, intelligence, curiosity, and ambition were evident from the outset. ViMP gave them an opportunity to sharpen these qualities through practical learning, exposure, and engagement with experienced leaders. I am confident that the experience has further strengthened their capacity to pursue their ambitions and make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s national transformation. I look forward to seeing how they translate this experience into businesses, careers, and solutions that create real value.”
For the 2026 cohort, the program offered an opportunity to deepen their understanding of business and management while building relationships with peers and professionals across different sectors.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, the president of the ViMP Class of 2026, Grace Alawode, said: “ViMP gave me more than frameworks and strategies. The experience showed me what leadership can look like when people are treated as equals, heard, and encouraged to grow. As Cohort President, I came to understand that I am a leader of leaders, and that leadership is not about managing people down, but bringing people up. That is a lesson I will carry with me beyond ViMP.”
The programme received support from other organizations committed to developing young talent and strengthening Nigeria’s business ecosystem, including CardinalStone, Nigeria Bottling Company, Channels Television, Lagos Business School (LBS), Andersen Consulting.

Through ViMP, Junior Achievement Nigeria provides young professionals with practical business education, leadership development, industry exposure, and opportunities to engage with communities.
The programme forms part of JAN’s broader commitment to developing young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to succeed in the world of work, build sustainable businesses, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

“ViMP creates a platform for young professionals to develop the capabilities required to identify opportunities, solve problems, lead effectively, and build businesses that create meaningful value. Beyond the knowledge and skills gained through the program, we are intentional about preparing a generation of young leaders who can translate their ideas into impact and contribute to national transformation. This is at the heart of Junior Achievement Nigeria’s commitment to preparing young people to learn, work, and succeed,” said Oluwatosin Oyetayo, Acting Programs Lead, Junior Achievement Nigeria and Project Lead, ViMP.
Through ViMP, Junior Achievement Nigeria continues to invest in a generation of young professionals equipped to grow impactful businesses, create value, and play a meaningful role in Nigeria’s national transformation.

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the world’s oldest and largest non-profit economic education organization operating in over 100 countries and impacted over 2 million students across Nigeria by fostering creativity and innovation, preparing the next generation of Nigerian leaders to drive economic change.