FutureMakers Programme Launched to Ignite Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has officially unveiled FutureMakers, a landmark national innovation initiative poised to discover, nurture, and empower Nigerian children aged five to 16. This ambitious programme aims to equip young minds with the essential skills and unwavering confidence needed to devise tangible solutions for pressing real-world challenges.
The official launch ceremony, held at the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja’s Idu Industrial Area, convened a distinguished assembly of government officials, prominent innovation leaders, dedicated education stakeholders, strategic partners, and members of the media. This initiative represents a significant stride in Nigeria’s enduring commitment to cultivating a new generation of creators, inventors, and adept problem-solvers who will shape the nation’s future.
Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, underscored the critical importance of early intervention and investment in the creative potential of children. He stated, “If we aspire to cultivate a future populated by world-class innovators, we must commence their development at an early age. Nations that currently lead in innovation began by investing in their youth, and today, NASENI is taking that decisive step forward with FutureMakers. Early exposure is the bedrock upon which lifelong innovators are built.”
Halilu further elaborated on the strategic vision behind the programme, emphasizing its long-term implications. “FutureMakers is not an isolated endeavour; it is an integral component of a comprehensive, long-term national strategy. Our objective is to establish a consistent pipeline of young creators who will, over the next three to five decades, profoundly influence Nigeria’s innovation trajectory. The ability to innovate is the very engine through which nations ascend.”
A Transformational Platform for Young Innovators
Racheal Perez-Folayan, Head of the NASENI Innovation Hub and Programme Manager for FutureMakers, described the initiative as a “transformational platform” set to redefine how Nigerian children engage with creativity and innovation.
She explained, “FutureMakers is meticulously designed to identify, cultivate, and empower young innovators between the ages of five and 16, providing them with the support necessary to transform their nascent ideas into tangible, future-ready prototypes.”
Perez-Folayan continued, “Our overarching mission is to meticulously groom the next cohort of innovative leaders who will not only develop groundbreaking, commercially viable solutions but also significantly bolster Nigeria’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem. This programme transcends a mere competition; it is a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering young problem-solvers who will ultimately steer the country’s technological advancement.”
Nationwide Reach and Key Dates
FutureMakers will be implemented across Nigeria through NASENI Institutes strategically located in the six geopolitical zones. This widespread network ensures that children from every state have equitable access and the opportunity to participate.
The programme’s timeline is as follows:
- Registration Opens: December 11, 2025
- Registration Closes: January 11, 2026
- Evaluation and Shortlisting: January 12–16, 2026
- Zonal Hackathons: January 26–30, 2026
- National Innovation Finale: February 14, 2026
Comprehensive Support and Rewarding Opportunities
Throughout the hackathons, participants will engage in a series of enriching activities, including:
- Design-thinking exercises to foster innovative problem-solving approaches.
- Mentorship from seasoned professionals and industry experts.
- Hands-on innovation training to develop practical skills.
- Pitching sessions to present their ideas and solutions effectively.
The rewards for winners and outstanding participants are designed to provide substantial pathways for growth and development. These include:
- Cash prizes of up to N5 million.
- Scholarships to support further education.
- Continued mentorship and innovation coaching.
- The opportunity to join exclusive NASENI Innovation Clubs.
- Access to incubation and acceleration programmes for promising ventures.
- An international study tour for the top finalists, offering global exposure.
These comprehensive support mechanisms are crucial for ensuring that the innovative ideas generated within the FutureMakers programme can evolve into viable prototypes, impactful solutions, and nascent entrepreneurial ventures.
The Executive Vice Chairman urged children, parents, teachers, and educational institutions across the nation to wholeheartedly embrace this initiative. He conveyed a powerful message: “You are never too young to embark on building something of significance. Every globally recognized innovator began with precisely what you possess today: a single idea and the courage to pursue it.”
NASENI also issued a call to action for school administrators and educators, encouraging them to actively champion the initiative by raising awareness among students, providing guidance for idea development, and facilitating programme registration.
Children aged 5 to 16 residing in Nigeria are now invited to apply through the official FutureMakers portal. The application deadline remains January 11, 2026.
The FutureMakers programme, spearheaded by NASENI, is fundamentally designed to ignite creativity and cultivate essential skills in problem-solving, design thinking, and early-stage engineering among young Nigerians. By encouraging children to identify real-world issues and empowering them to develop meaningful solutions through a structured national framework, FutureMakers is set to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
