The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has launched the Next Generation Challenge 2025, a national innovation initiative aimed at promoting industrial development through indigenous ideas and local talent.
The initiative unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja targets young innovators across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs) and encourages the submission of practical solutions in over 50 sectors, including health, agriculture, education, climate change, and digital infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, NBTI Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kazeem Kolawole, described youth innovation as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic future.
He noted that structured platforms like the NextGen portal are critical to unlocking the potential of the country’s largely youthful population.
“With 70% of our population under 35, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of talent,” Dr Kolawole said.
“Our youth are already making waves globally in the fintech and tech sectors. What they need now is access, support, and protection, NextGen offers that,” he added.
The programme is designed to empower both formally educated and grassroots innovators, with dedicated support for individuals with limited or no formal education.
“Some of the world’s best innovators didn’t finish school. We’re not judging credentials, we’re judging ideas,” he said.
To ensure the safety and ownership of submitted ideas, the NBTI is collaborating with key intellectual property institutions, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), and Nigeria’s Trademark Registry.
Kolawole assured participants that all submissions would be protected under national IP laws.
“We have built a robust system to prevent intellectual theft. Innovators can confidently share their ideas knowing they are legally protected,” he added.
Kolawole called on state governments, local leaders, and private sector stakeholders to support and sponsor young talents from their communities to ensure inclusive participation.
“No local government area will be left behind. Every Nigerian youth should have a chance to innovate and shine on the global stage,” he said.
The NextGen Challenge also includes mentorship programmes and digital literacy support for participants, particularly those in rural areas.
The most promising innovators from each state and the Federal Capital Territory will be selected to represent Nigeria on an international stage, beginning with a showcase in London.
Unveiling the portal, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Mr. Robert Ugwo, described the initiative as a “catalyst for a new era of grassroots innovation.”
“This is not just a portal. It’s a movement to make innovation a national norm. We are creating an environment where creativity becomes the foundation of our development,” Ugwo said.
The event attracted several dignitaries, both national and international, including the Director-General, Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdulateef Shittu, the Director-General, National Center for Technology Management, Dr. Odusanya Olushola.
Others are the Second Secretary for Political Affairs at the British High Commission, Wendy Shepherd and Abigail Marshall-Katung, the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
