ABUJA – The Federal Government, in partnership with Ericsson, has launched the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon, aiming to engage 50,000 young Nigerians in digital mentorship, skills development, and startup support. The programme was officially unveiled at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja, with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima highlighting its potential to transform Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Shettima described the hackathon as a nationwide innovation pipeline designed to convert Nigeria’s youthful population into world-class innovators. “This hackathon isn’t just a contest—it’s our pipeline to turn Nigeria’s youth into innovators coding solutions that power global systems,” he said.
The four-month initiative begins with open registration, running until March 10, 2026. From the pool of applicants, 50 high-potential teams will receive technical guidance and product development support, with 10 finalists advancing to incubation and acceleration stages. Participants will be exposed to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, Internet of Things, and sustainable solutions.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, emphasized the hackathon’s role in nurturing problem-solving skills and translating ideas into commercial value. Ericsson Nigeria’s Country Manager, Peter Olusoji Ogundele, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation and global talent export. Development partners, including the European Union and Swedish Embassy, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with inclusive growth and youth empowerment.
Officials noted that the programme bridges the gap between education and industry while fostering measurable outcomes for startups, universities, and innovation ecosystems nationwide. The Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon is positioned as a strategic platform to nurture home-grown digital solutions and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
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