Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has strengthened its partnership with Enactus Nigeria to promote innovation, sustainability and youth participation in Nigeria’s construction industry.
The partnership, under the Julius Berger Innovation Challenge (JBIC) 2026 Mentorship Programme, is designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, industry exposure and support needed to develop practical solutions to challenges facing the construction sector.
The programme brought together undergraduate students from tertiary institutions across the country, providing them with access to industry experts, entrepreneurial guidance and mentorship.
Participants were challenged to develop innovative and sustainable ideas addressing challenges across the construction value chain, including resource efficiency, sustainable materials, waste reduction, energy performance, climate resilience, affordable housing and smart infrastructure.
Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, described the partnership as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s construction industry and its next generation of innovators.
He said the initiative was creating opportunities for students to develop the skills, innovative thinking and leadership qualities needed for nation-building.
Ajayi said the projects presented by the students went beyond academic exercises, describing them as evidence of the creativity and determination of young Nigerians to tackle real-world challenges.
“What we have seen in this challenge, with Enactus students across the country presenting so many innovations, is truly exciting. These are groundbreaking ideas developed by young Nigerians with the potential to create meaningful impact,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with sustained support, some of the ideas could develop into solutions capable of transforming Nigeria’s construction industry.
Speaking at the grand finale, Chief Risk Officer of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mrs Shakira Mustapha, said the programme was more than a competition, describing it as a celebration of innovation, creativity and the potential of Nigerian youths to shape the future of the built environment.
Mustapha said the Innovation Challenge was created to give students a platform to develop solutions to sustainability challenges in the construction sector.
According to her, the future of construction would increasingly depend on innovation, sustainability and fresh ideas alongside traditional engineering expertise.
She commended the participants for the quality of their ideas, saying the programme had demonstrated that Nigerian youths have the capacity and determination to tackle environmental and social challenges through innovation.
Mustapha reaffirmed Julius Berger’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and nurturing young talents capable of contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s construction industry.
