NASENI unveils innovation programme for youngsters

The Nationwide Company for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has formally launched FutureMakers, a flagship nationwide innovation programme designed to find, develop, and empower Nigerian youngsters between the ages of 5 and 16 with the abilities and confidence to create options for real-world challenges.

The launch occasion, held on the NASENI Innovation Hub within the Idu Industrial Space, Abuja, introduced collectively prime authorities officers, innovation leaders, schooling stakeholders, companions, and media representatives. The programme marks a major step in Nigeria’s long-term dedication to constructing a brand new era of creators, inventors, and problem-solvers.

Talking on the occasion, the Govt Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, emphasised the significance of catching youngsters younger and investing of their inventive potential, saying, “If we wish a way forward for world-class innovators, we should begin shaping them early. Nations that lead in innovation started by investing in younger folks, and at the moment, NASENI is taking that daring step via FutureMakers. Early publicity creates lifelong innovators.”

He added, “FutureMakers will not be an remoted undertaking; it’s a part of a long-term nationwide technique. We’re constructing a gradual pipeline of younger creators who will form Nigeria’s innovation future for the subsequent 30 to 50 years. Modern considering is how nations rise.”

The Head of the NASENI Innovation Hub and Programme Supervisor, Racheal Perez-Folayan, described the programme as a transformational platform that may redefine how Nigerian youngsters interact with creativity and innovation.

She stated, “FutureMakers is designed to determine, nurture, and empower younger innovators from ages 5 to 16, serving to them rework their concepts into prototypes constructed for the longer term.”

She continued, “Our mission is to groom the subsequent era of revolutionary leaders who will develop groundbreaking, commercially viable options and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. This programme is greater than a contest; it’s a nationwide motion to domesticate younger problem-solvers who will form the nation’s technological future.”

FutureMakers can be applied nationwide via NASENI Institutes throughout the six geopolitical zones, guaranteeing inclusivity and equal participation for youngsters in each state.

Registration opened on December 11, 2025, and closes on January 11, 2026; analysis and shortlisting can be held from January  12 to 16, 2026. Zonal hackathons can be held from January 26 to 30, 2026, whereas the nationwide innovation finale will happen on February 14, 2026.

Members will endure design-thinking workouts, mentorship, hands-on innovation coaching, and pitching classes throughout the hackathons. Winners and excellent individuals will obtain as much as N5m, scholarships, mentorship and innovation teaching, the chance to hitch NASENI Innovation Golf equipment, entry to incubation and acceleration programmes, and a global examine tour for prime finalists.

These pathways are designed to make sure that the concepts generated throughout the programme can progress into viable prototypes, options, and early-stage ventures. The EVC inspired youngsters, dad and mom, academics, and colleges nationwide to embrace the initiative: “You aren’t too younger to construct one thing that issues. Each world innovator began with precisely what you might have at the moment: one thought and the braveness to attempt.”

NASENI additionally urged college directors and educators to actively assist college students via consciousness, thought improvement steering, and programme registration.

Kids aged 5–16 dwelling in Nigeria can now apply via the official portal, whereas the appliance deadline is 11 January 2026.

FutureMakers by NASENI is a nationwide innovation initiative designed to encourage creativity and develop problem-solving, design-thinking, and early engineering abilities in youngsters. The programme helps younger learners determine actual issues round them and encourages them to construct significant options via structured nationwide actions.