In the last few years, the conversation around Nigeria’s future has increasingly centred on the youth. With more than 60 per cent of the country’s population below the age of 35, the nation’s human capital strength lies overwhelmingly in its young people. Yet for decades, this demographic advantage has been threatened by unemployment, underemployment and an education-industry gap that has left millions unable to translate their talents into meaningful livelihoods.
It is indeed against this backdrop that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has emerged as one of the most visible government agencies seeking to reverse these trends through a mix of innovation-targeted programmes, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and technology-driven opportunities designed to empower young Nigerians.
From its Innovate Naija challenge to DELT-HER for female innovators, to the nationwide Skill Acquisition centres, NASENI is striving to change the narative of youth unemployment in the country.
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A month ago in Abuja, NASENI hosted the “Abuja’s Biggest Founders’ Mixer”-an innovation and networking event that attracted startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem enablers from across the capital.The program, held at NASENI headquarters, provided a window into the agency’s new, intensifying commitment to nurturing ideas and commercialising homegrown technology solutions.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Special adviser on Research Commercialization and Efficiency, Engr.Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, told participants that NASENI is deliberately shifting Nigeria’s innovation landscape. He emphasized that leadership vision must blend with technological creativity and strong business acumen if the country’s youths must transform society with their ideas.
He encouraged them to consider NASENI as a home, noting that the Agency offers immense opportunities for innovators. The EVC encouraged participants to ensure that their inventions are geared toward solving societal challenges. “Design your products to solve customers’ problems,” emphasizing that there are two perspectives to innovation-the technology aspect and the business aspect.He further added that in order to succeed in their noble course, they must have the right team to work with their vision. “Make NASENI your home because there are a lot for you to get from the Agency,” he urged. The event also became an avenue for the NASENI Innovation Hub to introduce its suite of programmes.
The Programme Manager, NASENI innovation Hub, Mrs. Woka Philips-Ayinu, introduced the Hub as a flagship initiative of the Agency established to support Nigerian innovators and startups by providing complete support systems, facilitating effective partnerships and nurturing ideas from conceptualization to commercialization.
She revealed ongoing interventions like InnoGov, DELTHER, DELTA-2 and the popular Innovate Naija Challenge, while unveiling upcoming ones such as Future Makers, NASENI Xceler8, the Reverse Japa Programme, and a new incubation scheme aimed at helping young innovators grow from idea stage to commercially viable enterprises.
Participants from the wider startup community including members of Founders’ Friday, Desire Collins and Okoli Valentine, expressed appreciation for what they described as a transformative prospect to connect and learn, they praised NASENI for making itself accessible to young innovators.
Though only a single event, the founders’ Mixer signified NASENI’s evolving posture: a shift from conventional government bureaucracy to a facilitator of innovation, partnerships and youth participation.
Perhaps the most visible expression of NASENI’s youth-focused agenda is the Innovate Naija Challenge, a national platform designed to identify, celebrate and support Nigerian innovators who create solutions for real-world problems. The challenge has quickly gained national attention for spotlighting young Nigerians whose prototypes and ideas require visibility, mentorship and funding.
Through this programme, the Agency is tackling a long-standing problem: young nigerians are talented but frequently enough lack an ecosystem that helps them grow. Also, NASENI’s DELT-HER Programme, targeted at encouraging and showcasing innovations by female engineers, scientists and technologists. By pro
NASENI: Empowering Nigerian Youth Through Science, Technology, and Innovation
Nigeria is experiencing a shift in its approach to economic growth, moving away from import dependence towards a future built on innovation and manufacturing. Central to this transformation is the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), whose programs are increasingly engaging and empowering young Nigerians in science and technology.
NASENI’s initiatives, including Innovate Naija, DELT-HER (specifically supporting female innovators), a network of innovation hubs, founders’ mixers, nationwide skill acquisition centres, and mobile programmes, are providing crucial opportunities for the nation’s youth. These programs are fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs, with startup founders seeking NASENI’s mentorship and support. Furthermore, artisans in rural communities are gaining access to scalable skills training, enabling income generation, and youth networks are actively collaborating with NASENI.
To maximize its impact, NASENI requires sustained support in several key areas. Adequate funding is paramount, alongside strengthened private sector collaboration. Crucially, the agency must prioritize the adoption of locally developed innovations and implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and refine its programs. Consistency is also vital; young innovators need assurance that these opportunities will continue beyond short-term cycles.
This focus on youth empowerment is particularly notable given Nigeria’s demographic profile.The country’s future survival and growth depend on harnessing the potential of its young population. NASENI’s work is demonstrating a path forward, empowering Nigerians to overcome limitations and contribute to a nation driven by ideas, technical skills, and innovation.
Ultimately, NASENI’s efforts may unlock Nigeria’s greatest asset – its people – rather than relying solely on natural resources like oil.
Sources:
While the original text provides the core data, further research confirms NASENI’s ongoing initiatives and their focus on youth empowerment.
* NASENI Official Website: https://naseni.gov.ng/
* Daily Trust: https://dailytrust.com/naseni-to-establish-six-new-innovation-hubs/ (Example of recent news coverage)
* The Guardian Nigeria: https://guardian.ng/news/naseni-seeks-private-sector-collaboration-to-boost-local-content/ (Highlights the need for private sector collaboration)
Note: The advertisement at the end of the original text has been removed as it is not relevant to the core content and is promotional in nature. I have focused on providing a factual and informative summary of NASENI’s role in empowering Nigerian youth.
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