By Eunice Orike
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has unveiled the innovation in science,technology enterpreneur program, iSTEP, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering youth-driven innovation and transforming Nigeria’s economy.
The Minister speaking at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) which was held yesterday in Abuja, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive development.
Nnaji said that the partnership with Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) brings valuable expertise and commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation hub.
Adding that, the programme is in line with the Ministry’s quest for Innovation, Science and Technology Entrepreneur ISTEP.
According to the Minister, “ISTEP is a transformation platform aimed at unlocking the immense potentials of our youths, which its objectives are ambitious and impactful by enhancing food security through agricultural and green innovation and also Promoting inclusive economic development by fostering innovation-driven enterprises”.
Furthermore, he said that the main objective of the programme is to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local Government Areas in the country in the next two years, establishing 2500 youth-led innovative enterprises to drive economic growth and competitiveness, development of 6 Innovation Academies and 3 ISTEP City Hubs as centers of excellence in technology and innovation as well as create 5000 new jobs, contributing to national efforts to tackle unemployment.
Nnaji commended HAIN for their dedication to the cause, stating that their partnership brings immense value to the shared vision of transforming Nigeria.
He urged the youth to seize the opportunity, emphasizing that the future of the nation depends on their creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Together, we can turn this vision into a reality.” The launch of the iSTEP Program marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards a more innovative, prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman, Humanity Advancement Innovation Network Mr. Daniel Olasetemi said that the iSTEP is geared towards advancing the country by training, empowering and also providing a market to enable the youths to thrive.
