Nigeria Launches iSTEP Programme to Boost Youth Innovation

Nigeria’s Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has launched the Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy (iSTEP) Programme, aimed at empowering youth-driven innovation to catalyse economic transformation in the country.

The programme was inaugurated on Wednesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasized the initiative’s significance in fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem across Nigeria.

He stated that the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive development.

“The programme’s objectives are both ambitious and impactful,’’ Nnaji said.

Key Objectives

The iSTEP Programme sets ambitious targets, including:

• Training and certifying 10,000 innovators across 200 local government areas within two years.
• Establishing 2,500 youth-led innovative enterprises to enhance economic competitiveness.
• Developing six Innovation Academies and three iSTECH City Hubs as centers of excellence in technology and innovation.
• Creating 5,000 new jobs to address youth unemployment.
• Advancing food security through agricultural and green innovation.

Also Read: Nigeria Will Lead Africa’s Growth With Innovation In Agriculture- VP Shettima

“This programme underscores our collective commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to address pressing challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development,’’ Nnaji said.

Game-Changer

The Chairman of HAIN, Daniel Olasetemi, praised the initiative, highlighting its far-reaching benefits.

“This programme will not only nurture young innovators but also position Nigeria as a hub for technological advancement in Africa,” he noted.

With its focus on fostering an innovation-driven economy, iSTEP is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation, making the country a leader in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.