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From Makurdi to the United States for Mandela Washington Fellowship: Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh’s Tech Journey with SKYHub Nigeria.
When you hear about innovation hubs in Nigeria, Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt often come to mind. But in Makurdi, Benue State, one visionary has quietly been building a movement that is shaping the future of young people through technology.
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Meet Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh, Founder of SKYHub Nigeria and a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow. His work has impacted more than 10,000 individuals, supported 1,500 businesses, and incubated 12 startups — proving that innovation can thrive anywhere with the right vision and leadership.
The Journey into Tech
Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh
Solomon’s journey began with a simple conviction: that young people in underserved regions should not be excluded from the opportunities of the digital economy.
“I wanted to build a platform where talent could be discovered, nurtured, and scaled — giving young people a chance to compete globally while solving local problems,” he explains.
That vision gave birth to SKYHub Nigeria, an innovation hub in Makurdi dedicated to building digital skills, supporting startups, and driving practical tech solutions.
Mandela Washington Fellowship Experience
In 2025, Solomon was selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship under the Leadership in Business Track at the University of Iowa.
The fellowship exposed him to advanced entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and a vibrant network of leaders across Africa and the United States.
“Beyond the classes and venture school experience, it was a powerful reminder that the work we’re doing at SKYHub is not just local but part of a global innovation movement,” he reflects.
On Benue and Its Tech Potential
Asked about Benue’s place in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Solomon is optimistic.
“The creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness of Benue youth are untapped assets. With the right investment in infrastructure, policy, and ecosystem support, Benue can emerge as one of the strongest tech talent bases in Nigeria.”
Views on Technology and Society
On emerging technologies:
“Artificial Intelligence, blockchain beyond finance, and low-code/no-code tools are reshaping how we build and deliver solutions. They democratize innovation, enabling more people to solve complex problems.”
On AI in industries:
“AI will revolutionize healthcare with predictive diagnostics, finance with fraud detection, and education with adaptive learning. But we must balance innovation with ethics around privacy and bias.”
On cybersecurity:
“Phishing, ransomware, and identity theft remain threats. Awareness, multi-factor authentication, and strong frameworks are key defenses.”
On social media:
“Social Media amplifies voices and democratizes information but also fuels misinformation and polarization. Balance is key.”
On quantum computing:
“It will transform industries reliant on heavy data, from healthcare drug discovery to climate science. We’re only scratching the surface.”
Advice for Young People in Tech
“Start small, start now. Learn one skill, practice it, and build on it. Consistency matters more than perfection. Don’t wait for ideal conditions — use what you have to create value.”
Looking Ahead
Through SKYHub Nigeria, Solomon is committed to building the next generation of digital talent and entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities. His journey — from Makurdi to the Mandela Washington Fellowship — stands as a testament to what vision, persistence, and community-driven innovation can achieve.
About Skyhub Nigeria
Skyhub Nigeria is a leading innovation and digital skills hub based in Makurdi, Benue State. Founded in 2018 by Yateghtegh, the hub is dedicated to equipping young people and entrepreneurs with the skills. It also focuses on resources, and mentorship they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Over the last five years, Skyhub Nigeria has:
- Trained and impacted over 10,000 individuals with digital and tech skills.
- Supported more than 1,500 businesses with innovative solutions and growth strategies.
- Incubated 12 startups, helping them transform ideas into scalable ventures.
- Partnered with universities and organizations to provide internship programs, professional training, and digital inclusion initiatives.
Through its Skyhub Nigeria Academy, the hub delivers structured learning programs in areas such as software development. Others are cybersecurity, digital marketing, product design, and emerging technologies.
