GEES 2026 (Graduate Employability and Enterprise Summit 3.0) — Bet9ja Foundation's Free Career Summit for Nigerian Graduates
If you're a recent Nigerian graduate looking to sharpen your job-market skills or explore entrepreneurship, GEES 2026 — the Graduate Employability and Enterprise Summit — is a free, well-established event worth attending.
The Graduate Employability and Enterprise Summit (GEES) is a one-day event designed to empower recent graduates with the essential knowledge, skills, resources, and networking opportunities needed to thrive in today's competitive job market. It's organized by the **Bet9ja Foundation**, the charitable arm of Bet9ja, one of Nigeria's leading online bookmaking companies, and now returns for its **third edition** in 2026.
What Is GEES?
GEES aims to equip graduates for success in both traditional employment and entrepreneurial ventures, through:
- Highly rated speakers
- Interactive panel discussions
- Practical workshops
- Dedicated networking sessions
Past editions:
- GEES 1.0 (2024) — held in Lagos, themed "Navigating the Future: Building Employability and Entrepreneurial Success," at The Zone, Gbagada
-GEES 2.0 (2025) — themed "Digital Economy: Getting Youths Ready for the Digital Workspace"
Across its editions, GEES has delivered ₦2 million+ in cash prizes to participants — a track record that adds real credibility beyond just the networking and training value.
What Does GEES Offer Attendees?
- Expert Insights — Access to high-profile keynote speakers and industry experts sharing perspectives on the future of work and entrepreneurship in Nigeria
- Industry-Specific Panels — Discussions on current trends, job market outlooks, and essential in-demand skills
- Practical Workshops — Sessions on communication, leadership, digital literacy, financial literacy, and business model development
- Career Lunchpad / Networking Lounge — Dedicated space to connect with fellow graduates, professionals, and potential mentors
- Cash Prize Opportunities — Based on the programme's stated ₦2M+ impact across past editions
-
Is This a Grant or a Loan?
Neither — GEES is a **free, one-day summit/event**, not a cash grant or loan disbursement programme. It offers training, mentorship, and networking, with the possibility of cash prizes tied to specific competitions or activities during the summit.
Who Can Attend?
Based on prior editions, GEES targets:
- Recent graduates (typically within 5 years) from accredited Nigerian universities
- Attendees across all disciplines, not limited to any specific field of study
What You Need Before Registering
1. Proof of Graduate Status — Confirmation you're a recent graduate (within the stated eligibility window) from an accredited Nigerian university.
2. Personal Details — Standard registration information as requested on the official form.
3. Availability — Since this is a one-day, in-person event, confirm you can attend on the scheduled date at the stated Lagos venue (or check if a 2026 virtual option is offered).
How to Register for GEES 2026
Step 1 — Visit the Official GEES Page
👉 https://bet9jafoundation.org/gees/2026
Step 2 — Review the 2026 Theme and Date
Confirm the specific date, venue, and theme for this year's edition directly on the page.
Step 3 — Complete Registration
Fill in your details as prompted.
Step 4 — Await Confirmation
Watch for confirmation communication from Bet9ja Foundation regarding your registration status.
Step 5 — Attend the Summit
Participate fully in the keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking sessions.
Where to Register
Official GEES 2026 Page:
👉 https://bet9jafoundation.org/gees/2026
Bet9ja Foundation Official Website:
👉 https://bet9jafoundation.org/
⚠️ Important Domain Notice
Be careful to use the correct official domain: bet9jafoundation.org (no "s"). A similar domain, bet9jafoundations.org (with an "s"), has also appeared in some search results — while this may simply be a secondary or older domain, always double-check you're on the verified official Foundation channel before registering or entering any personal information.
Other Bet9ja Foundation Programmes Worth Knowing
Since you're already looking at Bet9ja Foundation, it's worth knowing they also run:
- ScaleUp Business Accelerator — up to ₦3 million (individual) / recently expanded to ₦33 million total grant support for Nigerian SMEs and startups
- Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- Young Executive Program (YEP)
Tips for Making the Most of GEES
Come With Specific Questions — Since panels cover resume writing, interview skills, personal branding, and accessing funding, prepare targeted questions rather than attending passively.
Network Intentionally — Use the dedicated networking lounge purposefully — bring a clear, concise personal pitch.
Engage With the Workshops — The breakout sessions on digital literacy, financial literacy, and business model development are practical and hands-on — participate actively rather than just observing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering on the wrong domain (bet9jafoundations.org instead of bet9jafoundation.org).
- Assuming this is a direct cash grant rather than a training/networking summit.
- Missing the graduate eligibility window (typically within 5 years of graduation).
- Attending without a clear goal — GEES offers rich networking and learning, but you get more out of it with specific objectives in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GEES a cash grant programme?
No, it's a free training and networking summit. Cash prizes have been part of past editions' overall impact, but it's not a direct grant disbursement programme.
Who organizes GEES?
The Bet9ja Foundation, the charitable arm of Bet9ja.
Who can attend?
Recent graduates (typically within 5 years) from accredited Nigerian universities, across all disciplines.
Is there a fee to register?
No indication of a registration fee — GEES has historically been a free event for eligible graduates.
Where do I register for GEES 2026?
👉 https://bet9jafoundation.org/gees/2026
Official Links
GEES 2026 Page:
https://bet9jafoundation.org/gees/2026
Bet9ja Foundation Website:


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