The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochuckwu Udeh, SAN, has emphasized that innovation grows strongest when people and institutions work together. He said this during the grand finale of the Coderina University Challenge 2025, held at the National University Commission in Abuja. According to him, innovation does not flourish in isolation but thrives where government supports ideas, academics nurture talents and young people step confidently into the future they hope to shape.
Udeh explained that the theme together we build reflects Nigeria’s ambition to become a nation driven by science, powered by technology and sustained by innovation. He added that this goal can only be achieved when every stakeholder contributes to building a shared future that improves the quality of life for Nigerians. The Minister noted that COUCH provides a platform where ideas meet opportunity, where scientific knowledge becomes practical solutions and where young innovators show that Nigeria is full of talent that needs the right structures to rise.
He stated that the country’s leadership envisions a society where science, technology and innovation become part of everyday life, where creativity is encouraged, where technology is accessible and where every young Nigerian has the tools required to turn ideas into real impact. Udeh said the Ministry is ready to partner with Coderina, the National University Commission, development agencies and industries to scale the initiative so the outcomes of COUCH are supported, incubated and integrated into national development priorities.
Dr. Udeh commended Coderina Education and Technology Foundation for its commitment to expanding digital literacy and promoting innovation across Nigeria. He said the organization’s effort continues to empower young people and strengthen national capacity.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, said the initiative is not only a competition but also a celebration of creativity, resilience and the potential of Nigerian university students. Ribadu also praised the Education Technology Foundation for ensuring that COUCH comes at no financial cost to participating universities or the Commission.
