Babcock University Nigeria has partnered with Irish corporate development firm Sim-Plement Ireland to introduce a cloud-based business simulation model aimed at teaching entrepreneurship through practical, hands-on experience.
The collaboration is being driven by Ayodeji Ajibade, Director of the university’s Entrepreneurship Development Centre, and Oluseyi Oladimeji, Lead Product Manager and co-founder of Sim-Plement Business Training.
The initiative is designed to expose students to real-world business decision-making, allowing them to collaborate on projects, interact with potential investors, and apply entrepreneurial skills beyond the classroom.
Participants are trained to develop financial literacy, manage budgets, and practise strategic planning, giving them practical experience in running businesses within a simulated environment.
The partnership also provides lecturers with a platform to adopt interactive teaching methods, enabling them to evolve alongside students while delivering more practical entrepreneurship education.
Speaking during a visit to the institution, Ajibade explained that the simulation offers students a structured and risk-free environment to apply classroom knowledge.
“The business simulation is being used in our third-year venture creation course, which is systems-based and designed to integrate theory with practical application,” he said.
“Students work in teams, assigning roles and mirroring the structure of a real business. Through this, they learn not only decision-making but also leadership, collaboration, and accountability.”
The programme runs through six simulation rounds, during which students analyse performance data, make operational and financial decisions, and adjust their strategies to improve outcomes.
The first stage focuses on key startup decisions such as choosing a business name and location, helping students understand branding, market positioning, and strategic planning.
Subsequent rounds cover operations, finance, and overall strategy, exposing students to the complexities of entrepreneurship while maintaining a safe virtual learning environment.
Oladimeji highlighted the value of international partnerships in promoting innovation and expanding learning opportunities for students.
“In Nigeria and globally, the focus is increasingly on enabling people to engage meaningfully with foreign systems and practical experiences. Through partnerships with global companies like Amazon and Sim-Plement, we are experimenting with innovative approaches and drawing lessons from markets in the United Kingdom and the United States,” he said.
Ajibade added that the programme benefits both students and faculty members.
“This is not just about teaching; it is about cultivating an ecosystem that supports creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Sim-Plement Ireland, Klaus Walter, expressed optimism that the programme would prepare graduates to navigate economic challenges and create opportunities.
“By combining practical simulation, mentorship, and international insights, we are preparing graduates for how to navigate economic challenges and create meaningful opportunities for themselves and their communities,” Walter said.
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