SKICAN Highlights Development Initiatives At 2026 Annual Gathering, Reaffirms Commitment To Nigeria–South Korea Partnership
_Smart Start 2.0 empowers university student entrepreneurs as association extends CSR interventions to Cross River, Katsina and Edo States_
The South Korea International Cooperation Agency Alumni Association in Nigeria (SKICAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and community impact through strategic partnership between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.
The President of SKICAN, Oboh Joseph, Esq., stated this during the Association’s 2026 Annual Alumni Gathering held in Abuja.
In his opening remarks, Oboh described the annual gathering as an opportunity to reflect on the Association’s journey, recognise collective achievements, renew commitments and envision greater possibilities for the future.
He noted that SKICAN was founded on the principle that exposure to new knowledge, innovative systems, diverse cultures and effective problem-solving approaches could equip individuals to transform their institutions, communities and the nation.
According to him, the various capacity-building opportunities facilitated by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have equipped Nigerian professionals with valuable knowledge, experience and perspectives that continue to contribute to public service, institutional development, entrepreneurship and national progress.
Oboh emphasised that the Association’s responsibility extends beyond celebrating opportunities its members had received to demonstrating their value through measurable development impact.
Highlighting the Association’s achievements during the year, in collaboration with KOICA, JIIPC and SMEDAN, Oboh identified the KOICA–SKICAN Capstone Project which includes Smart Start 2.0: Digital Business and Intellectual Property (IP) Skills for University Student Entrepreneurs as one of its notable initiatives.
He explained that the project was designed to equip student entrepreneurs in Bingham University, Nasarawa and University of Abuja with essential digital business competencies, intellectual property knowledge and practical skills to develop, protect and grow their entrepreneurial ideas.
Oboh stressed that young Nigerians require more than academic qualifications to succeed in today’s competitive economy, noting that digital competencies, business knowledge, mentorship and an enabling environment are essential to transforming innovative ideas into viable enterprises.
Beyond entrepreneurship and capacity building, the President disclosed that the Association also implemented various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at improving community welfare, including school hygiene support interventions in Cross River and Katsina States to promote healthy learning environments, as well as a personal hygiene intervention and solar power project in Edo State. The Association also runs weekly podcast interviews with members to share experiences and impact.
He noted that the initiatives were practical expressions of the Association’s belief that knowledge and experiences acquired through international cooperation should translate into tangible benefits for individuals, institutions and communities.
In his remarks, the Country Director of KOICA, Mr. Kim Eunsub, said the theme reflects one of the most remarkable development journeys in modern history – South Korea’s transformation from aid recipient into a global development partner. He noted that with the establishment of KOICA in 1991 and joining the OECD Development Assistance Committee in 2010, Korea has proven that international aid, when paired with national commitment and strategic planning, lays a foundation for lasting progress.
He explained that the Korean experience teaches that the true value of assistance lies not only in the resources given but in the knowledge, skills and opportunities it unlocks.
Eunsub added that the core principles remain universal: investing in people, strengthening institutions, embracing innovation and holding on to a long-term vision, assuring of KOICA’s commitment to human capacity development in Nigeria.
He called on the Association to continue to play a critical role in ensuring that aid truly becomes an advantage when a country adapts global lessons to its own reality, strengthens local capacity and turns knowledge into action, adding that members’ responsibility extends beyond earning a degree or certificate.
The Country Director commended the alumni for bringing together talented Nigerians who have leveraged capacity-building opportunities in the Republic of Korea to drive development across Nigeria.
The colourful annual event featured the presentation of the 2026 annual report, institutional spotlight on the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) by Dr. Jaesung Lee, unveiling of the SKICAN Magazine, testimonial and knowledge-sharing session by beneficiaries of KOICA-supported training, introduction of new members, and presentation of prizes to winners of the SKICAN Essay Competition.
The gathering was attended by dignitaries from government institutions including the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, SMEDAN and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), among others.
