The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology officially launched the Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy (iSTEP) Programme on Wednesday, a major step toward empowering youth-driven innovation and fostering Nigeria’s economic transformation. The launch took place through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) in Abuja.
The iSTEP Programme is designed to equip Nigerian youth with the tools, training, and certifications necessary to drive innovation across the country. Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, outlined that the program would train and certify 10,000 innovators in 200 local government areas over the next two years. Nnaji emphasized that the program’s objectives align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on driving job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive development.
The initiative is poised to bring about long-term economic benefits by fostering innovation-driven businesses, which are crucial for creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. By empowering youth with the skills needed to thrive in the fields of science, technology, and engineering, the program aims to develop a new generation of entrepreneurs and professionals who can lead Nigeria’s economic and technological advancements.
As part of the iSTEP initiative, the Ministry plans to establish six Innovation Academies and three iSTECH City Hubs, designed as centres of excellence for technological innovation and research. These hubs will provide critical resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for innovators, enabling them to thrive and contribute to key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development.
One of the central goals of the programme is to address Nigeria’s food security challenges through innovation-driven solutions in agriculture and green technologies. Nnaji highlighted that these innovations could help solve issues related to food production while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasized that innovation in these sectors would play a vital role in ensuring the country’s long-term food security while also supporting green development goals.
“The iSTEP Programme is part of our broader commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to solve the pressing challenges in critical sectors like agriculture, energy, and industry,” Nnaji stated. “This program will drive Nigeria’s future growth by positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable innovation.
Daniel Olasetemi, the Chairman of the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN), also voiced strong support for the iSTEP Programme, praising its potential to transform Nigeria’s innovation landscape. Olasetemi expressed confidence that the initiative would bring about positive changes, contributing not only to the growth of innovation but also to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
Olasetemi believes that the programme will provide significant opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and create scalable businesses. The innovation hubs, he said, would provide the much-needed infrastructure and support systems for young innovators to succeed. According to Olasetemi, the iSTEP Programme’s focus on youth development aligns with global trends in innovation, where young minds are increasingly leading the charge in solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.
“This program is a game-changer,” Olasetemi said. “It’s going to have far-reaching benefits for Nigeria, especially as we look to strengthen our position in global markets. With this initiative, young Nigerians will have the resources, mentorship, and training to develop solutions that can have a lasting impact on the economy and society at large.”
The iSTEP Programme marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s drive to become a hub for innovation and technology, setting the stage for a future where youth-led enterprises play a central role in shaping the nation’s economic and technological landscape. With the backing of both government and industry leaders like HAIN, the program has the potential to unlock Nigeria’s vast pool of young talent and foster a thriving innovation ecosystem.
