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DG Kashifu Inuwa: “Turn Your Ideas Into Impactful Tech Startups”
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has encouraged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and Interns working within the agency to transform their innovative ideas into real-life technology startups.
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Speaking during the grand finale of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0, held at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, Abdullahi reassured participants of the agency’s full support to help convert their prototypes into viable tech products and services.
A Launchpad for Nigeria’s Digital Talent
The DG shared his personal experience, tracing his journey in tech back to his NYSC year over two decades ago when he built his first website. That opportunity led to a ₦1.5 million contract — a life-changing moment that shaped his future.
“You don’t have to wait until after your service year — you can start testing your ideas right now,” he told the audience of young innovators.
Today, NITDA hosts over 550 Corp members, many of whom struggle to find employment post-service. The agency is actively creating platforms for digital skill-building, entrepreneurship, and early-stage startup development to address this gap.
Innovation With Real Impact
The Innovation Challenge saw Corps members and Interns pitch projects solving real-world challenges, including:
- Smart staff performance tracking systems
- Certificate verification platforms
- Digital branding tools
- Job placement and recruitment apps
- Knowledge management solutions
“These are the kinds of solutions that will define Nigeria’s digital future,” said the DG. He urged participants to continue innovating and build solutions that address both internal agency challenges and broader national problems.
A Strategic Opportunity for Nigeria’s ICT Stakeholders
The telecom sector, Internet service providers (ISPs), and ICT ecosystem players in Nigeria stand to benefit significantly from initiatives like the NITDA Innovation Challenge. Here’s how:
- Talent Pipeline: NITDA is nurturing digitally skilled youths who are ready to join or disrupt the ICT sector with homegrown solutions.
- Startup Investment Opportunities: Telecom operators and ISPs can partner with or invest in these emerging tech startups to expand their service offerings.
- Product Localization: Local innovations offer cost-effective solutions tailored to Nigerian market needs — from digital identity to smart infrastructure.
- Public-Private Collaboration: The challenge reinforces NITDA’s openness to working with private sector actors in scaling solutions with national impact.
This ecosystem of innovation aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and presents a timely opportunity for tech stakeholders to engage early with future tech leaders.
Institutionalizing Innovation: More Than a Competition
Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director in the DG’s Office, described the initiative as a “movement” toward institutionalizing innovation in the public sector, driven by the NITDA Innovation Framework (NIF).
“Innovation is not about competition; it’s about collaboration,” he noted.
Under the framework, staff, Corps members, and Interns identified real operational challenges within NITDA and proposed innovative digital solutions. Out of 35 submissions, 13 key challenges were selected. These led to the formation of 24 multidisciplinary teams, with 23 teams completing projects addressing 10 critical internal issues.
Winners of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0
Ten teams made it to the final stage, pitching their solutions to the NITDA Innovation Council. The top six winners received cash awards and public recognition:
- Team X (COPA) – 1st Place
- Team Sentinel (Smart ID) – 2nd Place
- Smart Track Innovators – 3rd Place
- Team Trivergent – 4th Place
- Team TechLogs (SafeCheck) – 5th Place
- Team Big Tech (Digital Brainbox) and Team SRAPture – tied for 6th Place
Driving Innovation-Led Governance
The Innovation Challenge is part of NITDA’s broader mission to embed a culture of innovation across the public sector. Through such initiatives, NITDA positions itself as a model for innovation-led governance and a catalyst for youth-driven entrepreneurship.
As Nigeria pushes forward on its digital transformation agenda, the agency’s efforts are building a bridge between public policy, talent development, and private-sector partnership.
