Youth & Students in
Innovation (YSI)
An initiative of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to identify, nurture, and showcase high-potential youth innovation talents across Nigeria.
Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government of Nigeria is implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, an eight-point presidential blueprint placing youth empowerment, job creation, and technology at the center of development.
Nigeria's young population represents one of its greatest assets. YSI is designed to bridge the gap between creative academic research and market-ready enterprise, turning creative technology prototypes into job-creating enterprises.
National Mission Goal
Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology
"To empower Nigerian students and youth to develop innovative solutions and acquire entrepreneurial and digital competencies that contribute to socioeconomic transformation."
Key Strategic Objectives
How we aim to identify, showcase, and empower technology-driven economic contributors.
Practical Skill Acquisition
Equip youth with practical, hands-on digital and technology skills through general courses and 4 specialized tracks.
Talent Vetting & Discovery
Discover, recognize, and nurture high-potential technology and innovation talents across all geopolitical zones.
Emerging Tech Exposure
Expose participants to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence prompt engineering models.
Structured Mentorship
Increase participation in innovation ecosystems through paired mentor advisory and post-program communities.
STI Showcasing
Showcase the administration's achievements in Science, Technology, and Innovation to create direct employment pipelines.
Innovation Communiqués
Produce a Youth Innovation Communiqué from each zone to directly inform future national policy design frameworks.
Our Blended Education Model
From initial baseline vetting and online coursework to physical workspace challenges and alumni networks.
Virtual Engagement (3 Weeks)
Structured coursework with assignments and quizzes released 3x per week. Only participants meeting the virtual engagement scores proceed to travel for the physical event.
- Pre-Programme Baseline Quiz
- Compulsory General Coursework
- Core Tracks Virtual Introduction
Physical Engagement (3 Days)
Three days of intensive workspaces held across all six zones. Focuses on practical lab exercises, core track project building, judge scorecards, and graduations.
- Hands-on Practical Lab Exercises
- Direct Industry Mentor Matchings
- Innovation Challenge Pitching
Post-Programme Community
Alumni transition into structured WhatsApp/Telegram digital circles for continuous mentoring, startup seed grants, and jobs mapping lists.
- Retention of Dashboard Access
- Matched Mentor pairs support
- Opportunity Desk Placements
General Courses & Core Tracks
Deliberately scoped program pathways benchmarked against 2026 labor market demand data (AI applications, data analytics, and digital work readiness).
General Core Courses
Every participant completes these foundational courses during the virtual phase to establish basic workspace competency.
Core foundational courses for all accepted participants in the initiative.
Introduction to digital workspace tools, internet safety, and foundational artificial intelligence models.
Professional skills, CV writing, interview preparation, work ethics, and leadership development.
Selectable Learning Tracks
Choose one primary track to specialize in, focused on entry-level competencies achievable within the blended duration.
Digital Creativity
UI/UX Design, Graphics Design, Video Editing, and Content Creation.
Software Fundamentals
Web Development, Mobile Development, and Cloud Basics using modern frameworks.
AI & Automation
Machine learning concepts, Python for AI, automation pipelines, and API integrations.
Data Analytics
Excel modeling, SQL, Tableau/PowerBI, and statistical analysis.
Who Can Apply & Qualifications
Open, transparent call for application guidelines designed for university students, corps members, and digital enthusiasts.
Target Demographics
Undergraduate Students
Students currently enrolled in public or private universities across Nigeria.
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Serving Corps Members aiming to optimize digital skill levels before job placements.
Technology Enthusiasts & Aspiring Creators
Aspiring creators, campus technology club members, and digital product builders.
Eligibility Checklist
- Be a Nigerian citizen aged 18 to 30 years old.
- Possess a valid Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) number.
- Own or have access to a laptop or smartphone.
- Proof of Student ID or NYSC posting letter file.
- Take the Pre-Programme Assessment.
Zonal Rollout Schedule
YSI is delivered across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, kicking off with the South East Zone launch in Enugu.
South East
South South
South West
North Central
North East
North West
YSI Champions & Mentors
Prominent figures and ecosystem leaders supporting student innovation and mentorship.
Secure Your Spot in
Cohort 2026 Today
Gain access to industry standard training modules, timed assessment quiz setups, opportunities job desk, and start pitching your startup innovation.
Welcome Address
"Welcome to the Youth and Students in Innovation (YSI) digital platform. In alignment with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, our mission at the Ministry is to harness the immense creative power, talent, and technological potential of our young demographic."
Through this blended virtual-to-physical portal, we are mapping active talent to digital competencies, promoting practical research, technology careers, and innovation ecosystems to build a competitive, technology-driven nation.
