The Federal Government has launched the NextGen Innovation Challenge Portal, a nationwide initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing innovative talent across Nigeria's 774 local government areas.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole, described Nigeria as "sitting on a goldmine of innovative talent" particularly in the fintech and technological sectors.
"With 70% of our population under the age of 35, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of talent. If you look at the fintech and tech ecosystems globally, Nigerians are leading the charge — many of them are products of our education system and our challenges. What they've lacked is structured opportunity. The NextGen portal provides that," Kolawole stated.
Inclusive Innovation Across Nigeria
The NextGen Innovation Challenge will allow young Nigerians to submit innovative ideas across more than 50 key sectors including health, agriculture, education, climate solutions, and digital infrastructure. According to Kolawole, all submissions must be practical and defendable, with clear guidelines provided on the platform.
The NBTI chief emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and assured participants that their intellectual property would be protected. He revealed that NBTI has collaborated with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) to create a framework for patent registration and idea protection.
"We understand concerns about intellectual theft but this system is robust. We've engaged the Trademark Registry, WIPO, and NOTAP to ensure ideas are safe and protected," he stressed.
Breaking Educational Barriers
A notable feature of the portal is its inclusivity, as Kolawole confirmed that educational level would not be a barrier to participation. The platform offers mentorship for innovators with limited formal education but promising ideas, with special provisions for uneducated or semi-literate youth through digital literacy support and age-based classification.
"Some of the world's greatest innovators didn't complete formal education. What matters is your idea and how you defend it. Everyone—from university graduates to grassroots talents—has a seat at this table," Kolawole added.
The NBTI Director General called on state governors and local leaders to support and sponsor youths from their regions, noting that top innovators from each state would have the opportunity to showcase their solutions internationally.
International Recognition and Support
The launch event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, with Mr. Robert Ugwo, Special Adviser on Administration, representing the Minister. Ugwo described the portal as marking "a new era where innovation becomes a norm rather than an exception."
International support was evident with the presence of Wendy Shepherd, Second Secretary for Political Affairs at the British High Commission, and the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds, UK, Abigail Marshall-Katung, who expressed admiration for the initiative's inclusive approach.
"I was touched by the reach of this challenge across all 774 LGAs. It is a powerful opportunity for Nigerian youth, regardless of background, to show the world what they are capable of. If the environment is right, Nigerian youth will thrive. This initiative creates that environment," Marshall-Katung said.
The top 37 innovators from the challenge will represent Nigeria on a global stage in London, with stakeholders being called upon to support this international showcase of Nigerian talent.
