…As competition attracts young entrepreneurs across Nigerian tertiary institutions
Trade FM has officially unveiled a distinguished four-member judging panel for its ongoing Campus Business Challenge 2026, bringing together accomplished personalities from business, entertainment, technology, labour leadership and entrepreneurship to evaluate the next generation of Nigerian business innovators.
The judging panel comprises popular Nigerian comedian and actor popularly known as MC Lively; Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi; and former National President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako.
The competition, an initiative of Trade FM under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Ijasan, is designed to identify, celebrate and financially empower student entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 25 across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
With a total prize pool of ₦2.25 million, the challenge will reward three outstanding student-owned businesses, with the overall winner receiving ₦1 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦750,000 and ₦500,000, respectively.
The newly announced judges bring diverse professional experiences and perspectives that will help assess contestants beyond the popularity of their business ideas, with particular attention to innovation, entrepreneurial potential, creativity, sustainability and prospects for growth.
Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, brings over two decades of experience in industrial relations, human resources, organisational leadership and business sustainability. As a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body, Oyerinde offers valuable insights into enterprise development, employment creation and the practical realities of building sustainable businesses.
His participation is expected to provide contestants with an industry-driven perspective on business structure, growth potential and long-term viability.
Also joining the panel is Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako, a respected labour leader and institution builder who served two terms as National President of ASSBIFI between 2010 and 2016.
During his leadership, Salako championed several landmark initiatives, including the establishment of the 53-bedroom ASSBIFI Resource Centre, the ASSBIFI Labour Hour radio programme and reforms focused on workers’ welfare, capacity development and greater inclusion of young people and women.
With decades of experience in strategic management, leadership and organisational development, Salako is expected to bring valuable perspectives on discipline, business management and institutional growth.
Representing the technology and innovation sector is Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC).
A UK-trained economist, information technology expert and social entrepreneur, Somolu Lesi has spent more than two decades advancing digital inclusion, technology education and youth empowerment.
Through W.TEC, she has championed initiatives that equip young people, particularly women and girls, with the digital skills, knowledge and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the technology-driven economy.
Her expertise in innovation, digital entrepreneurship and capacity building is expected to help identify student-led businesses with the potential to leverage technology for growth and wider market opportunities.
Adding an exciting entertainment and creative industry dimension to the panel is MC Lively, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable comedians, actors and social commentators.
Born Michael Sani Amanesi, the Obafemi Awolowo University law graduate rose to prominence through his widely celebrated Agidi comedy skits, which humorously explore everyday Nigerian experiences and social realities.
Beyond his success in digital entertainment, MC Lively has featured in notable Nollywood productions, including Seven and a Half Dates and Fate of Alakada.
His journey from law graduate to successful entertainment entrepreneur offers an inspiring example of how creativity, consistency, originality and an understanding of one’s audience can be transformed into a thriving career and business.
His presence on the judging panel is expected to bring fresh perspectives on creativity, branding, storytelling, audience engagement and the commercial potential of unconventional business ideas.
Speaking on the selection of the judges, Trade FM CEO Sharon Ijasan explained that the diversity of the panel reflects the competition’s commitment to recognising entrepreneurship across different sectors.
“Entrepreneurship is not limited to one profession or industry. It requires creativity, discipline, innovation, resilience and the ability to identify opportunities where others see challenges.
“We have carefully brought together individuals whose experiences cut across business leadership, technology, entertainment and organisational development because we want our contestants to benefit from different perspectives on what it takes to build a successful enterprise.
“Our goal is not simply to reward three student entrepreneurs with cash prizes. We want to discover promising young business owners, amplify their stories and encourage a generation of Nigerians who are already taking bold steps towards financial independence and economic productivity.”
The organisers further explained that winners will emerge through a combination of 60 per cent social media engagement and 40 per cent judges’ assessment, ensuring that public participation is balanced with professional evaluation of the competing businesses.
Participants are therefore encouraged to continue promoting their business pitch videos, building meaningful engagement around their entries and following Trade FM’s official social media platforms.
Following an extension of the submission window, the competition will now close on Thursday, October 29, 2026, giving eligible student entrepreneurs additional time to register and upload their business pitch videos.
Interested participants are required to complete the mandatory registration form, create a short video showcasing their businesses and share their entries on social media while tagging @tradefmlive.
Registration is available through:
https://bit.ly/TRADEFMCAMPUSBUSINESSCHALLENGE2026
The Trade FM Campus Business Challenge 2026 forms part of the platform’s broader commitment to promoting business intelligence, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunities among Nigerians.
Through the initiative, Trade FM hopes to spotlight promising student entrepreneurs, encourage enterprise development within tertiary institutions and demonstrate the potential of young Nigerians to build businesses capable of contributing meaningfully to the country’s economy.
About Trade FM
Trade FM is a digital media platform focused on business intelligence, market news, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities. Led by journalist and media entrepreneur Sharon Ijasan, the platform provides relevant business information, amplifies entrepreneurial stories and connects businesses, professionals and investors with insights and opportunities within Nigeria and beyond.
Social Media: @tradefmlive