Nigeria has officially launched the iSTEP (innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy) Program, through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
iSTEP, the Ministry says, is a transformative initiative to empowering youth-driven innovation and accelerating the Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The announcement of the iSTEP scheme was made during a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) in Abuja.
iSTEP, the Ministry says, is a transformative initiative to empowering youth-driven innovation and accelerating the Nigeria’s economic transformation.
This partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive development, according to the Ministry.
Under the plan, the iSTEP Programme seeks to harness the potential of this demographic by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
The iSTEP initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with high unemployment rates, particularly among youth.
According to recent statistics, youth unemployment in Nigeria is estimated at over 30%, highlighting the urgent need for programmes that can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- The programme aims to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local government areas within two years. This training will equip participants with essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in various sectors. The initiative also plans to establish 2,500 youth-led enterprises that will drive economic growth and create sustainable job opportunities for young Nigerians.
- Six Innovation Academies and three iSTECH City Hubs will be developed as centers of excellence in technology and innovation. These hubs will serve as incubators for new ideas and foster collaboration among young entrepreneurs. The programme aims to create 5,000 new jobs as part of national efforts to tackle unemployment, providing much-needed opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
- Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, says in a statement that by promoting agricultural and green innovations, the iSTEP Programme seeks to enhance food security in Nigeria, addressing one of the critical challenges facing the nation.
- The initiative emphasises fostering innovation-driven enterprises that promote inclusive economic development, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from Nigeria’s growth.
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, commended HAIN for its dedication to advancing this cause. The programme, he says, is not merely an initiative but a platform aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Nigerian youth.
“This programme underscores our collective commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem,” Nnaji states. “It is designed to equip our youth with the tools they need to lead Nigeria into a brighter future.”
The iSTEP Programme is positioned as a significant opportunity for young Nigerians eager to make their mark in various fields. By participating in training sessions and accessing resources provided through the programme, youth will be empowered to develop their entrepreneurial skills and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
The government encourages young people across the country to seize this opportunity. “The future of our nation depends on your creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit,” Nnaji says. “This programme is designed specifically for you.”
He says that by equipping young people with skills and creating an environment conducive to innovation, Nigeria can foster sustainable growth and improve living standards across the nation. As part of its long-term vision, the government aims to position Nigeria as a global hub for innovation by nurturing talent and supporting entrepreneurial endeavours.
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