The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, in collaboration with the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN), has launched a game-changing initiative aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Nigerian youths. The new program, titled the Innovative Science and Technology Programme (ISTEP), is set to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local government areas in Nigeria over the next two years. This marks a significant step forward in the country’s mission to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem that will drive economic growth, job creation, and inclusive development.
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative in Abuja, affirming the government’s commitment to supporting the youth as key players in the nation’s future. Nnaji explained that this partnership with HAIN is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation, economic diversification, and sustainable development across the country. The program aims to equip young Nigerians with the necessary skills to succeed in the fast-evolving tech and innovation sectors.
The ISTEP program is designed to have a multifaceted impact on Nigeria’s economy, touching areas such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development. As part of the initiative, 2,500 youth-led innovative enterprises will be established, focusing on technological innovation to drive growth and competitiveness. The program will also see the development of six Innovation Academies and three iSTECH City Hubs, which will serve as centres of excellence for training and technological advancement.
In total, the initiative is expected to create 5,000 new jobs, which will significantly contribute to national efforts to combat unemployment. The program will also address key challenges such as food security by promoting green innovation and agricultural technologies.
Minister Nnaji encouraged Nigerian youths to seize this opportunity, emphasizing that the nation’s future depends on their creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. He stressed that the program represents a collective commitment to utilizing technology and innovation to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges, positioning the youth as key drivers of national development.
Daniel Olasetemi, Team Lead at HAIN, highlighted the organization’s role in providing not only training but also market access to young entrepreneurs. He acknowledged the current economic challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly the nation’s dependence on imported goods, and emphasized that nurturing young entrepreneurs is the key to reducing this dependency. Olasetemi pointed out that only by empowering youth and fostering innovation can Nigeria pave the way for sustainable economic progress and self-sufficiency.
With this initiative, ISTEP seeks to foster a generation of Nigerian innovators who will lead the charge in creating solutions to local and global challenges, ultimately building a more resilient, diversified, and innovative economy.
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