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By Nana Theresa Timothy
HackJos 2025 represents far more than a hackathon—it stands as a milestone celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the remarkable impact nHub has made over the past ten years. As nHub marks its 10th anniversary, the event becomes a stage to reflect on a decade of nurturing talent, building startups, and shaping the tech ecosystem in Northern Nigeria. nHub is bringing together some of the nation’s brightest innovators, entrepreneurs, and thinkers to chart bold new paths for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions to unlock growth, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
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The city of Jos will host the HackJos Conference and Software Development Challenge, Northern Nigeria’s premier hackathon, from October 22 to 24, 2025, The three-day event combines a 48-hour Challenge-Driven Hackathon with a one-day Innovation Summit, creating a vibrant platform for young innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders.
HackJos already enjoys strong backing from leading organizations such as GIZ, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Plateau State Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA), Jos Business School, SBTS Group, Smart Web, Young Innovators of Nigeria, and the Plateau State Government. With such support, the event is shaping up to be one of the most important gatherings in Nigeria’s digital economy for 2025.
A Hub for Innovation in the North
HackJos has grown into more than just a hackathon. It now serves as a central hub where budding entrepreneurs, established tech firms, policymakers, and investors connect to drive the next wave of innovation.
This year’s theme, “Igniting MSME Growth Through Innovation,” highlights the vital role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in Nigeria’s economy. By equipping MSMEs with digital tools and homegrown solutions, HackJos seeks to tackle systemic challenges, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth.
Four Critical Hackathon Tracks
At the heart of HackJos 2025 is the 48-hour hackathon challenge, where teams of programmers, developers, and entrepreneurs will compete to build innovative solutions. The challenge is centered around four critical tracks:
- E-Commerce Solutions – Developing platforms that can expand market access for small businesses.
- Financial Inclusion – Creating digital services that bring banking and financial tools to underserved populations.
- Productivity Tools – Designing applications that help businesses and individuals maximize efficiency.
- Logistics and Last-Mile Delivery – Building solutions to improve transportation, distribution, and delivery systems for goods and services.
By channeling creativity into these specific focus areas, HackJos provides young innovators with the opportunity to create real-world, market-ready solutions.
High-Profile Attendees and Speakers
HackJos 2025 has attracted an impressive lineup of dignitaries, industry leaders, and innovation champions. Expected attendees include:
- Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
- Daser David, President of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).
- Mr. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, Director-General of Plateau State Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA).
- Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of Qitech Technologies Ltd.
The event will also feature seasoned speakers who will share insights on technology, entrepreneurship, and policy. Among them are:
- Daser David, President, DBI.
- Bomkam Ali Wuyep, DG, PLASMEDA.
- Dominic Datong, DG, Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA).
- Jide Awe, CEO of Jidaw.com.
- Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO, Nigerian Climate Innovation Center.
- Kola Aina, CEO of Ventures Platform.
- Danchung Musa, Founder, Bagos Foundation.
- Group Captain O.C. Ubadike.
- Murtala Abdullahi, CEO, Smart Web.
- Mohammed Ibrahim, Founder, Startup Arewa.
These speakers represent a cross-section of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem—from startups and venture capitalists to government and civil society.
Building the Next Generation of Innovators
HackJos is not only about competition; it is about nurturing the next generation of innovators in Northern Nigeria and beyond. By drawing in students, programmers, developers, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, and policy makers, the event encourages collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas.
Participants will work around the clock for 48 hours to develop mobile, desktop, web, and hardware (embedded system) solutions. The goal is to build practical tools that address the everyday challenges of Nigeria’s MSMEs—from accessing finance and scaling their businesses to managing logistics and increasing productivity.
Ownership and Partnerships
HackJos is owned and promoted by nHub Nigeria, the first technology hub and innovation cluster in Northern Nigeria. Over the years, nHub has become a central figure in fostering talent, building capacity, and attracting global attention to the region’s growing tech ecosystem.
The 2025 edition is being organized in collaboration with GIZ, PLASMEDA, and Qitech Technologies Limited, further reinforcing its reputation as a world-class hackathon with strong institutional backing.
Why HackJos Matters
Nigeria’s technology ecosystem continues to evolve at a rapid pace; however, many opportunities concentrate in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. In contrast, HackJos creates a unique platform for Northern innovators and actively ensures that talent in Plateau State and beyond drives the digital revolution rather than being left behind.
Moreover, the focus on MSMEs comes at the right time. MSMEs form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet they struggle with challenges ranging from limited access to finance to inefficient delivery systems. By equipping them with digital solutions, HackJos directly builds resilience, drives growth, and strengthens Nigeria’s overall competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
With its exciting theme, strong partnerships, and growing pool of participants, HackJos 2025 goes beyond being just a hackathon; instead, it serves as a powerful catalyst for innovation and economic transformation.
As young developers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders gather in the serene city of Jos, they will compete for recognition while also contributing to a shared vision, a future where Nigerian MSMEs not only survive but thrive through technology-driven solutions.
HackJos 2025 is proof that innovation can emerge from every corner of the country—and that the future of Nigeria’s digital economy is being written today.
HackJos 2025
Date: October 22nd – 23rd, 2025 (Hackathon), October 24th (Innovation Summit)
Venue: Jos Business School, Plateau State, Nigeria
Theme: Igniting MSME Growth Through Innovation
