Empowering makers, Building founders
TVET EntreLab360 is Nigeria’s first immersive simulation and gamification lab designed specifically for entrepreneurship and business education in the TVET sector — equipping learners with practical, real-world skills through experiential learning aligned with Prosser’s ‘learn by doing’ principles.
About Us
Vision Statement
To be a leading innovation hub transforming TVET learners into empowered entrepreneurs through immersive, gamified, and skill-driven education that inspires creativity, self-reliance, and business leadership.
Mission Statement
TVET EntreLab360 is committed to advancing entrepreneurial and vocational education through simulation-based and gamified learning experiences. By aligning with Prosser’s ‘learn by doing’ principles, we aim to equip students and young artisans with practical skills, business acumen, and digital competencies that enable them to create sustainable enterprises, thrive in the modern economy, and impact their communities.
Overview of Prosser’s Principles and How They Shape TVET EntreLab360
- Charles Allen Prosser, widely regarded as the father of vocational education in the United States, outlined foundational principles that emphasize practical, experience-based learning tailored to occupational needs. His philosophy centers on the belief that “education is most effective when learners are trained in conditions that mirror the actual workplace.” This core idea is embedded in every layer of TVET EntreLab360.
- At TVET EntreLab360, Prosser’s “learn by doing” approach forms the backbone of our learning philosophy. The lab simulates real-life business and vocational environments using digital tools and gamification, giving learners the opportunity to acquire, apply, and refine skills in realistic scenarios—before facing the pressures of the real market.
How Prosser’s Principles Shape the Lab
Here’s how key Prosser principles are integrated into the design and operation of TVET EntreLab360
Prosser’s Principle | TVET EntreLab360 Application |
1. Learning by Doing | Learners interact with business simulations, role-play customer service, manage virtual enterprises, and solve real entrepreneurial problems. |
2. Realism in Training | Training modules simulate actual trade and entrepreneurial tasks (e.g., managing inventory, setting prices, marketing a product). |
3. Occupational Relevance | Programs are tailored to specific vocational fields like fashion, ICT, auto mechanics, catering, and aligned with entrepreneurial pathways. |
4. Motivation through Interest | Gamified learning keeps students motivated through rewards, competition, and progression systems. |
5. Immediate Application of Knowledge | Learners apply what they’ve learned in simulation tasks and real-time business challenges, reinforcing knowledge through practice. |
6. Individualized Instruction | Self-paced modules and adaptive challenges allow learners to progress based on ability and interest. |
7. Close Industry Linkage | Curriculum reflects current industry needs and local enterprise challenges, and incorporates feedback from entrepreneurs and employers. |
8. Continuous Assessment and Feedback | Learner performance is assessed in real time through dashboards, digital badges, and mentor feedback, encouraging reflection and growth. |
Gamified Business Education for TVET Trainees
Overview:
TVET EntreLab360 introduces a gamified approach to business education that transforms how TVET trainees learn essential entrepreneurship, financial, and managerial skills. By turning core business concepts into engaging, interactive games and simulations, trainees are immersed in realistic business challenges that promote critical thinking, decision-making, and creativity.
This approach aligns with TVET trade specialties—such as fashion, catering, auto mechanics, ICT, and agriculture—by contextualizing business content to reflect real-life trade scenarios. Learners earn points, unlock levels, and receive rewards for achieving milestones like setting prices, negotiating with customers, or generating profit in a simulated enterprise.
Overview:
Key Features
- Interactive Game Modules
- Topics include budgeting, marketing, customer service, business ethics, and recordkeeping.
- Each module is structured like a level in a game, increasing in complexity.
- Progressive Achievement System
- Learners earn badges for tasks like “Best Negotiator” or “Profit Planner.”
- Leaderboards encourage friendly competition among peers.
- Real-Life Trade Integration
- Scenarios are tailored to students’ vocational fields (e.g., running a virtual bakery or tailoring shop).
- Mobile & Offline Friendly
- Games are accessible via phones, tablets, and PCs, even in low-resource settings.
- Teacher and Peer Interaction
- Instructors can moderate simulations and provide instant feedback.
- Group missions promote collaboration and peer learning.
Impact on Learners
- Boosts engagement and motivation
- Reinforces practical business knowledge
- Encourages innovation and initiative
Builds confidence through experiential learning
Hands-On Vocational Training Ideas for TVET EntreLab360
i. Simulated Business Setup Projects
What: Trainees physically or virtually set up a mini-enterprise in their trade (e.g., mini salon, tailoring booth, bakery).
- How: Provide materials, startup budgets (simulated), and business objectives.
- Outcome: Learners practice workspace design, inventory setup, pricing, and basic operations.
ii. Trade-Specific Skill Labs with Entrepreneurial Tasks
Trade | Hands-On Task | Entrepreneurial Twist |
Fashion & Tailoring | Sew and finish a two-piece outfit | Market and price the product, pitch to mock customers |
Catering & Hospitality | Prepare and serve a basic menu | Run a pop-up restaurant day simulation |
ICT & Computer Repair | Diagnose and fix a hardware problem | Simulate a client service and invoicing process |
Carpentry | Build a piece of furniture | Create a sales pitch and cost breakdown |
Hairdressing & Beauty | Style hair and apply makeup | Run a mini “beauty day” and track customer feedback |
iii. Market Day Simulation
- What: Organize a “TVET Marketplace” where learners sell products or services they’ve created.
- Gamification: Trainees are awarded for highest sales, best marketing, and customer satisfaction.
- Entrepreneurial Outcome: Learners practice selling, customer interaction, and money handling.
iv. Time-Based Challenges (“TVET Hustle”)
- What: Short timed tasks related to trade skills under pressure (e.g., bake 10 pastries in 90 minutes, fix a phone in 15 minutes).
- Game Element: Points awarded for quality, speed, and cost control.
- Purpose: Builds time management and performance efficiency.
v. Customer Role-Play Exercises
- What: Trainees alternate roles as business owners and customers in simulated transactions.
- Skills Covered: Communication, conflict resolution, service quality, professionalism.
vi. Digital Tool Integration
- Use apps/tools like:
- Tinkercad for design (woodwork, metalwork)
- Canva for business cards/posters
- QuickBooks or Wave for teaching simple bookkeeping
vii. Business Pitch & Idea Hackathon
- What: Teams create a product or service and pitch it to a panel of instructors, mentors, or local business owners.
- Simulation Tools: Use business model canvas templates or apps.
- Outcome: Encourages creativity, teamwork, and presentation skills.
viii. Workplace Simulation Corners
Set up mini workstations that mimic real-life shops:
- Tailoring Studio
- Mini Electronics Repair Shop
- Home-based Bakery
- Pop-up Salon
- Agro-product Packaging Center
Learners rotate through stations with instructor feedback and peer review.
- Target learners: secondary students, TVET students, educators, etc.
Facilities & Technology at TVET EntreLab360
Simulation Tools & Gamified Platforms
TVET EntreLab360 is designed as a modern, hybrid learning environment equipped with cutting-edge tools that deliver immersive, hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship and vocational training. The lab integrates physical practice zones with digital simulations and gamified platforms to ensure that trainees learn through active engagement
Simulation Tools
- Business Simulation Software (e.g., SimVenture, GoVenture, StartUp Simulator):
Learners manage virtual businesses, make financial decisions, handle customer interactions, and experience the outcomes of their choices in real-time. - Virtual Trade Simulations:
Trade-specific simulations (e.g., running a catering service, tailoring business, or repair shop) allow students to practice trade-related business operations like pricing, stock management, and quality control. - Budgeting and POS Simulation Apps:
Digital tools simulate daily financial tracking, sales, and expenses—crucial for trainees to understand business finance and recordkeeping.
VR/AR Elements (optional but scalable)
- Virtual Reality (VR) scenarios for immersive enterprise tours (e.g., a virtual walkthrough of a fashion studio, bakery, or tech hub).
- Augmented Reality (AR) tools to overlay instructions or guidelines on real-world objects during practice (e.g., guiding woodwork assembly or tailoring patterns).
Gamified Learning Platforms
- Customized Learning Management System (LMS) with gamified features:
- Points, badges, levels, and leaderboards
- Challenges like “Business of the Week” or “Customer Service Pro”
- Embedded quizzes, simulations, and interactive tasks
- Mobile-Friendly Modules:
Content is accessible on low-end smartphones, ensuring inclusion for learners in rural or underserved communities.
How the Lab Works
TVET EntreLab360 operates as a hybrid simulation and training center that blends vocational practice with entrepreneurial learning. The lab is divided into three functional zones:
i. Skill Simulation Zones (Physical)
- Trade-specific workstations (tailoring corner, catering bench, ICT repair desk)
- Trainees engage in hands-on tasks guided by mentors and digital prompts
ii. Digital Simulation Hub
- Computer terminals and tablets for accessing business simulation platforms
- Trainees manage virtual businesses, take interactive quizzes, and complete entrepreneurial missions
iii. Gamification & Assessment Center
- Progress tracking dashboards for learners and instructors
- Performance analytics, feedback loops, and reward system
- Weekly challenges and pitch events evaluated by peer groups and instructors
Key Benefits
- Encourages active, learner-centered training
- Builds both trade competence and business acumen
- Makes training more fun, relevant, and reflective of real market dynamics
- Scalable for urban and rural contexts, including mobile/low-resource environments