In a significant move to foster innovation and economic transformation, the federal government has launched the iSTEP Program, an initiative designed to empower youth-driven innovation and catalyze economic growth.
The program was launched on Wednesday, at a ceremony marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology and the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN).
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, disclosed that the iSTEP Program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive development.
He also explained that the program aims to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local government areas over the next two years, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
“In addition to training innovators, the program also seeks to establish 2,500 youth-led innovative enterprises, which will drive economic growth and competitiveness.”
“These enterprises will be supported through various initiatives, including mentorship programs, funding, and networking opportunities.”
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“The program also involves the development of six Innovation Academies and three iSTECH City Hubs, which will serve as centres of excellence in technology and innovation.”
“These hubs will provide a platform for innovators to collaborate, share ideas, and develop new technologies.”
“Furthermore, the iSTEP Program aims to create 5,000 new jobs, contributing to national efforts to tackle unemployment.”
“The program will also focus on enhancing food security through agricultural and green innovation, as well as promoting inclusive economic development by fostering innovation-driven enterprises.”
“The program underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to address pressing challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development.”
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, commended HAIN for their dedication to the cause, saying their expertise and partnership bring immense value to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub.
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