Youths & Students in
Innovation (YSI)
An initiative of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & 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 centre 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.
His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
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."
How YSI Works
End-to-end participant learning and incubation journey
-
Apply
Register, upload your credentials and pass screening.
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Learn
Three weeks of virtual coursework, then a three-day zonal bootcamp.
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Graduate & grow
Certification, mentorship, alumni network and the opportunity desk.
Programme Objectives
How we aim to identify, showcase, and empower technology-driven economic contributors.
Skills for the Future
Equip youth with practical, hands-on digital and technology skills through general courses and 8 specialised innovation tracks.
Spotting Tomorrow's Innovators
Discover, recognise, and nurture high-potential tech and innovation talent in every geopolitical zone.
Frontier Technology Exposure
Expose participants to emerging technologies for the future of work.
Mentorship That Lasts
Grow youth participation in innovation ecosystems through paired mentorship and a thriving post-programme community.
From Innovation to Income
Turn science, technology and innovation exposure into real pathways for jobs and economic opportunity.
Youth Voices, National Policy
Produce a Youth Innovation Communiqué from every zone, shaping national policy from the ground up.
General Courses & Core Tracks
Deliberately scoped programme pathways benchmarked against 2026 labour 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 specialise in, focused on entry-level competencies achievable within the blended duration.
Innovation Branding, Digital Content & Science Communication
Brand design, digital content creation, and communicating science and innovation to the public.
Software, Web & AI Innovation Development
Software engineering, web and mobile development, and building AI-powered products.
Data Analytics & Innovation Project Management
Data analysis, dashboards and insight, plus planning and managing innovation projects.
Agritech & Agribusiness Innovation
Technology-driven agriculture, agribusiness models, and innovation across the food value chain.
Green/Renewable Energy & Climate Innovation
Renewable energy solutions, climate-smart technology, and sustainable innovation.
Manufacturing, Hardware & Maker Innovation
Product design, hardware prototyping, and maker skills for local manufacturing.
Target Demographics
Undergraduate Students
Students currently enrolled in public or private universities across Nigeria.
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Serving Corps Members aiming to optimise digital skill levels before job placements.
Technology Enthusiasts & Aspiring Creators
Aspiring creators, campus technology club members, and digital product builders.
Who Can Apply & Qualifications
Open, transparent call for application guidelines designed for university students, corps members, and digital enthusiasts.
Eligibility Checklist
- Be a Nigerian citizen aged 18 to 30 years old.
- Possess a valid photo ID, such as your National Identification Number (NIN) slip.
- Own or have access to a laptop or smartphone.
- Complete the baseline Pre-Test once your application is approved.
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.
Welcome Address
"Welcome to the Youths 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.
Secure Your Spot in
Cohort 2026 Today
Gain access to industry standard training modules, timed assessment quiz setups and the opportunity desk, and start pitching your startup innovation.