The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, in collaboration with the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth.
During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja, Minister Chief Uche Nnaji described the partnership as a pivotal step toward fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem across the country. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive development.
The Innovative Science and Technology Programme (ISTEP) is set to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local government areas within the next two years. It also aims to establish 2,500 youth-led enterprises, develop six Innovation Academies, and create three iSTECH City Hubs as centers of excellence in technology and innovation. The programme is expected to generate 5,000 new jobs, contributing to national efforts to combat unemployment.
Minister Nnaji highlighted that the programme will tackle critical issues in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development, driving food security through agricultural and green innovation, and fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation-driven enterprises.
Daniel Olasetemi, Team Lead of HAIN, expressed that the initiative will provide essential training and market access for young entrepreneurs, addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and reducing reliance on imported goods by nurturing homegrown businesses. He called on the youth to seize this opportunity to shape the nation’s future.
We are waiting for it.