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NADDC Trains 15,000 Technicians to Boost Nigeria’s Automotive Industry

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NADDC Trains 15,000 Technicians to Boost Nigeria’s Automotive Industry

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has trained more than 15,000 technicians across Nigeria to strengthen technical capacity, improve after-sales services and promote long-term sustainability in the country’s automotive industry.

Director-General of the Council, Joseph Osanipin, disclosed this in Abuja during a capacity-building programme for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps. The programme was organised in collaboration with the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Osanipin said the large-scale training initiative forms a central part of Nigeria’s automotive development strategy. According to him, the focus is on building the skilled workforce required to support local vehicle assembly, component production and maintenance services nationwide.

He explained that while policy frameworks such as the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan provide strategic direction, industrial sustainability depends largely on human capital development.

“The sustainability of any automotive ecosystem depends not only on assembly plants but also on the availability of skilled technicians who can maintain and service vehicles efficiently,” he said.

Osanipin noted that strengthening local technical expertise would reduce reliance on foreign support services, boost consumer confidence and improve the competitiveness of locally assembled vehicles.

He added that the Council’s broader localisation programme is designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported vehicles and spare parts by encouraging domestic production of selected components.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akintunde Rotimi, said the automotive training engagement reflects the House of Representatives’ wider reform agenda to promote professionalism within its parliamentary media ecosystem.

Rotimi conveyed the goodwill of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and members of the 10th Assembly. He stated that effective legislative work must be supported by informed public communication.

“Our legislative responsibility does not end with lawmaking. It is completed when citizens understand the purpose, impact and long-term benefits of policy decisions,” he said.

He stressed that industrial policies, including those guiding the automotive sector, require clear interpretation and contextual reporting to ensure public understanding and support.

Rotimi described the automotive sector as sitting at the intersection of industrialisation, job creation, local content development, technology transfer and economic diversification. He said these priorities align closely with the House’s broader economic growth agenda.

Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, described the engagement as a strategic step toward strengthening policy-focused journalism.

“Informed journalism is vital to accountability, investment attraction and national development,” she said.

Ike urged legislative reporters to translate complex automotive policies into accessible stories that can shape public discourse and attract investment. She also encouraged participants to deepen investigative reporting and scrutinise sectoral policy frameworks more rigorously.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, described local automotive production as an economic necessity rather than a policy aspiration.

He warned that continued reliance on imported vehicles exerts pressure on foreign exchange reserves and weakens domestic value chains.

According to him, strengthening local assembly and component manufacturing would help conserve foreign exchange, create technical and engineering jobs, and stimulate growth in supporting industries such as steel, rubber, plastics and glass production.

Onadiran urged Nigerians to consciously patronise locally assembled vehicles, noting that consumer choices directly affect industrial growth and economic stability.

Osanipin reaffirmed that sustained investment in skills development, including the training of over 15,000 technicians, would position Nigeria as a competitive automotive hub in Africa, especially under continental trade frameworks that reward strong local content.

The event highlighted a shared view among regulators, lawmakers and media stakeholders that technical capacity development, informed legislative reporting and consistent policy implementation remain essential to expanding Nigeria’s automotive footprint and achieving long-term industrial resilience.

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FG Backs 200,000-Teacher 2026 Let There Be Teachers Conference

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FG Backs 200,000-Teacher 2026 Let There Be Teachers Conference

The Federal Government has pledged full support for Guinness World Record holder, Oluwaseyi Anifowoshle, in his bid to convene 200,000 teachers across the country for the 2026 “Let There Be Teachers” Conference.

Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit and presentation of plaques ahead of the 2026 conference. He described the initiative as a positive spotlight on Nigeria and a bold step towards repositioning the teaching profession.

Alausa congratulated Anifowoshle for projecting Nigeria in a positive light through his record-breaking teachers’ conference. He said citizens must learn to speak well of their country.

“When you devalue your country, you devalue yourself,” he said, urging Nigerians to highlight the nation’s strengths and ongoing reforms.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership. According to the Minister, the administration’s reforms in the education sector are designed to secure a better future for Nigerian children.

Improving the quality of teachers, he noted, remains central to the Federal Government’s education reform agenda.

“If we want the highest quality of education for our children, we must have the highest quality of teachers,” Alausa said, stressing that quality assurance is one of the ministry’s six priority areas.

He disclosed that the government has launched a digital platform for continuous teacher professional development. The platform is accessible to both public and private school teachers nationwide and has been zero-rated, meaning teachers will not pay for data while accessing training materials.

Alausa further announced that from 2026, the Federal Government will begin paying the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) license fees for all public school teachers. He described the move as part of broader efforts to enhance teacher welfare and professional recognition.

The Minister also highlighted the recently held National Teachers’ Summit, where outstanding educators were rewarded with substantial prizes. These included a ₦55 million cash award, a house in Ogun State and a car for the national winner.

He said the summit will now become an annual event to ensure teachers are respected, rewarded and recognized.

Describing teaching as “the best profession in any society,” Alausa stated that education remains the bedrock of national development and teachers are the drivers of that foundation.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, also congratulated Anifowoshle on his landmark achievement and advocacy for better welfare of teachers. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to give all necessary support to ensure the success of the proposed conference.

Earlier, Oluwaseyi Anifowoshle said his team visited the ministry to seek official endorsement and strategic partnership for the 2026 “Let There Be Teachers Conference,” which aims to host 200,000 teachers nationwide.

He outlined areas of requested collaboration, including alignment of conference content with federal education reform priorities, ministry representation at the event, institutional support for nationwide mobilisation, and integration of the National Teachers’ Pledge into broader reform communication efforts.

Anifowoshle recounted how a teacher transformed his life when he struggled with English in primary school. He said that experience inspired him to pursue a career in teaching and education advocacy.

He explained that the “Let There Be Teachers” movement was established to drive global advocacy for teachers to be respected, rewarded and recognized. According to him, the profession produces all other professions in society.

In 2025, he set a Guinness World Record after convening over 15,000 teachers in partnership with the Lagos State Government. He became the first Nigerian teacher to host the largest gathering of teachers globally.

Building on that achievement, he said the 2026 edition, themed “From Record to Reform,” aims to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration by focusing on honour, opportunities, professional development and empowerment for teachers.

The proposed conference plans to gather at least 20,000 teachers in Abuja and a minimum of 5,000 teachers in each of the 36 states, bringing the total to 200,000 participants nationwide.

Anifowoshle expressed confidence that with the Federal Government’s backing, the conference would not only break new ground but also advance meaningful reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.

RCCG Launches Free Digital Skills Programme for 8,400 Beneficiaries

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RCCG Launches Free Digital Skills Programme for 8,400 Beneficiaries

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Continent 3, has unveiled a free digital skills empowerment programme targeting 8,400 beneficiaries to mark the 84th birthday of its General Overseer, Enoch Adeboye.

The initiative is scheduled to commence on March 1, 2026, and is designed to tackle unemployment and bridge the digital divide, two major challenges that continue to limit economic opportunities for many young Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Lagos, the RCCG Continent 3 Overseer, Pastor Johnson Funsho Odesola, said the programme forms part of several activities lined up to commemorate Adeboye’s birthday. He noted that the initiative reflects the General Overseer’s long-standing emphasis on education, youth development, and national transformation.

“By investing in digital capacity building, RCCG Continent 3 seeks to honour the General Overseer’s legacy of raising empowered, purpose-driven individuals who positively impact society,” Odesola said.

He explained that beneficiaries will receive training in video editing, graphic design, digital marketing, social media management, animation, content creation, and monetisation of digital skills. These areas, he said, are critical for employability and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

“This is not merely a birthday celebration — it is a strategic investment in the future of our nation,” he added. “By empowering 8,400 individuals with digital skills, we are creating pathways out of poverty and positioning Nigerians to compete in the global digital economy.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Love Transformation Academy, Pastor Olalekan Adebekun, disclosed that RCCG parishes across regions, provinces, and zones in Continent 3 will serve as study centres. Training sessions will be delivered via Zoom, allowing participants to learn from their local communities.

According to him, the structure will enable individuals who do not have personal internet access or suitable devices to benefit by gathering at designated church facilities. He also said the centres will provide mentorship, follow-up, and integration opportunities for participants, including non-church members.

Adebekun urged youths, students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and members of the general public to take advantage of the programme, which organisers say will foster employment, support freelance careers, and nurture a new generation of digital entrepreneurs and content creators.

Love Transformation Academy, the empowerment arm of RCCG Love Assembly, Lagos Province 1, is coordinating the programme in partnership with Faith Cometh Multimedia Consultants, combining church infrastructure with technical expertise to promote digital inclusion and national development.

Nigeria activates Horizon Europe deal to boost research and industrial growth

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Nigeria activates Horizon Europe deal to boost research and industrial growth

The Federal Government has activated the Nigeria–European Union bilateral framework under Horizon Europe as part of a strategy to unlock research excellence, accelerate technology transfer and drive industrial growth across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Tochukwu Udeh, announced the development during a high-level courtesy visit by a delegation of the European Union in Nigeria led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

Dr. Udeh described the activation of the Horizon Europe agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. He explained that the framework establishes a structured and permanent pathway for joint research initiatives, academic exchange, collaborative innovation and infrastructure development aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national innovation ecosystem.

According to the Minister, Innovation, Science and Technology (STI) remain the backbone of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy and a catalyst for transitioning from a resource-dependent economy to a globally competitive, knowledge-driven industrial economy.

“Today marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s innovation journey. Through Horizon Europe, we are opening new frontiers for collaboration in digital transformation, renewable energy, health sciences, agriculture, climate innovation and emerging technologies. This partnership is designed to convert research outcomes into scalable industrial solutions that will power national growth,” Dr. Udeh stated.

He further emphasized that the agreement will significantly expand access for Nigerian researchers, universities, start-ups and innovation hubs to participate in joint programmes and benefit from collaborative funding mechanisms under Horizon Europe. He noted that Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, dynamic research institutions and vibrant youth population position the country to maximize the opportunities embedded in the partnership.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, underscored the central role of research and innovation in Nigeria’s industrialization drive. He stressed that sustainable economic diversification can only be achieved through deliberate investment in science, technology development and commercialization of research outputs.

“This cooperation with the European Union strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to undertake joint research in areas of mutual interest such as climate change, health systems strengthening, digital technologies and sustainable agriculture, while building the institutional frameworks required for industrial competitiveness,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Gautier Mignot described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that science, technology and innovation are critical pillars of modern nation-building. He commended Nigeria’s youthful energy and innovative potential, expressing confidence that the Horizon Europe activation would accelerate the legal and operational processes necessary to implement the bilateral agreement effectively.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation, Mr. Tope Toogun, noted that Nigeria is now strategically positioned to leverage international research partnerships to strengthen its national innovation system and enhance global competitiveness.

In her presentation, the Head of International Cooperation-Asia, Pacific, Africa and Middle East, European Commission/DG Research and Innovation, Ms Nienke Buisma, said Horizon Europe is the EU funding programme for research and innovation and serves as a framework for collaboration that prioritizes areas of mutual interest including climate change, health, digital technologies and sustainable agriculture.

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Horizon Europe partnership translates into measurable outcomes, including increased research funding inflows, stronger industry–academia linkages, enhanced technology transfer and sustainable industrial growth that will create jobs and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Bauchi 2026/2027 Scholarship Application Portal Opens

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Bauchi 2026/2027 Scholarship Application Portal Opens

The Office of the Special Assistant on Scholarship has announced that the 2026/2027 Scholarship Application is now officially open. The office stated, “All eligible applicants are invited to submit their applications through the official scholarship portal.”

Applicants have been advised to carefully review the guidelines and ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline. The application opened on Monday, 23rd February, 2026. Apply here: https://scholarshipboardbauchi.com

Imo POS Empowerment Programme 2026 for Women by GHWFI and Mamamoni

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Imo POS Empowerment Programme 2026 for Women by GHWFI and Mamamoni

Applications are now open for the Point of Sale (POS) Terminal Machines Empowerment Programme, an initiative of the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative (GHWFI) in partnership with Mamamoni. The programme is designed to support women across Imo State by helping them build sustainable income through POS and mobile money services within their communities.

The POS Empowerment Programme focuses on strengthening women’s livelihoods by providing selected participants with POS terminal onboarding, basic financial literacy training, and practical guidance on how to run a small POS or mobile money business successfully. Beneficiaries will also receive ongoing business support and mentorship to help them grow and manage their operations effectively.

Successful applicants will receive POS terminal onboarding, basic financial literacy training, practical guidance on running a mobile money service, and access to business support and mentorship. The goal is to equip women with the knowledge and tools needed to operate confidently and serve customers in their local areas.

The programme is open to women across all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State. Eligible applicants include traders and small business owners, home-based sellers and petty traders, service providers, and community-based women who are ready to start or expand their businesses. The selection approach is designed to ensure fair representation across LGAs and zones, with priority given to community-based women and women traders.

Applicants should note that submitting the form does not automatically guarantee selection. Final beneficiaries will be shortlisted based on eligibility, level of need, spread across locations, and the number of available programme slots.

This initiative presents an opportunity for women to strengthen their businesses, increase their income streams, and improve their financial stability. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the application form before the deadline.

The application deadline is 5th March 2026. To apply, complete the online form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOio10srRK74-U22I1Ike8uO5X1GYVyHzme0oEP1ys382EgQ/viewform

GIFA Impacts 53,987 Lives in Two Years Across Akwa Ibom

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GIFA Impacts 53,987 Lives in Two Years Across Akwa Ibom

The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), the flagship project of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has impacted 53,987 lives across the state in the past two years.

Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Board of Trustees Chairperson and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, made this known during GIFA’s second anniversary celebration and the posthumous birthday of its founder at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo. She described the milestone as clear evidence of steady growth across the initiative’s eight thematic areas.

“I can confidently state that we have recorded remarkable strides in maternal and child healthcare, literacy and learning, environmental health, women empowerment, disease prevention, care for the elderly, support for persons with disabilities, and gender-based violence prevention and response,” she said.

Lady Obareki provided a breakdown of the achievements recorded within two years. According to her, 9,776 mothers and children were reached through healthcare interventions, while 19,587 adults and pupils benefited from literacy and learning programmes. She added that 13 borehole projects were installed in rural communities to improve access to clean water.

In the area of economic empowerment, 5,064 women were supported to strengthen their businesses and livelihoods. Through medical outreaches, 4,900 rural men, women, and children received treatment. The initiative also supported 10,800 senior citizens, assisted 160 persons with disabilities, and rehabilitated 1,020 survivors of gender-based violence.

Looking ahead, Lady Obareki announced plans to launch a year-round Tech-Empowerment Accelerator aimed at equipping 500 Akwa Ibom women annually with market-ready skills in software development, data analytics, and digital innovation. She explained that the programme would also provide mentorship and employment-ready internships to participants.

She further disclosed plans to replicate the GIFA Adult Education Initiative across all local government areas and sustain the Back-to-School Programme for indigent pupils in public schools. Lady Obareki appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his continued support toward the success of the initiative.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno commended Lady Helen Obareki for sustaining and advancing his late wife’s vision. “I am pleased to note that this initiative is fulfilling the foundational ideals and objectives set forth at its inception. You have remained committed to implementing the eight thematic areas, as evidenced by the statistics and impacts you have shared,” he said.

The governor also announced that in honour of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the state government would partner with GIFA to provide water in all 369 wards through the “Water-of-Life” project within the next year. He directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN) to ensure every ward benefits from the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, commended Lady Helen Obareki for the achievements recorded and pledged collaboration to expand the initiative’s impact.

Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi congratulated GIFA on its programmes, praised the governor’s gender-friendly policies, and assured continued support for the administration beyond 2027.

Senator Effiong Bob also eulogized Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s legacy and pledged sustained backing to expand GIFA’s reach and impact across the state.

Enugu Campus Hackathon Awards $16,500 Grants to Youth Startups

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Enugu Campus Hackathon Awards $16,500 Grants to Youth Startups

Youth innovators won a combined $16,500 in investment grants and secured a six-month incubation programme valued at over $10,000 at the maiden edition of the state-backed Enugu Campus Hackathon.

The Campus Hackathon is designed as an innovation platform to strengthen the state’s position as a rising hub for youth-led digital enterprise and venture creation. It aligns with the Enugu State Digital Transformation Strategy and focuses on supporting young founders building technology-driven solutions.

The grand finale was held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where Governor Dr Peter Mbah witnessed the event. He described the hackathon as part of his administration’s bold innovation drive to move the state from a consumption-driven economy to a productivity-led economy.

Speaking at the event, Mbah said young people are central to the state’s future. He described the youths as the heartbeat of a knowledge-driven and digital economy.

In the main category of the hackathon, delivered in collaboration with Genesys Tech Hub, The Garage, and Capitis Global Ventures, Growdex emerged as the overall winner. Growdex is an AI-powered advertising automation platform that enables creators and businesses to create, publish, and optimize adverts across multiple channels from a single dashboard. The startup won the star prize of $5,000 in investment grant.

Zaddy Express came second and received a $3,500 investment grant. The startup operates as a tech-enabled logistics and on-demand delivery platform, providing fast and reliable last-mile solutions for individuals and businesses.

Linia Finance secured third place and won US$2,500 in investment grant. The fintech platform provides accessible, data-driven credit and financial tools to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, and underserved individuals.

In the DeepTech category powered by the African DeepTech Foundation, Ambu Gynacare emerged winner. The health-tech startup develops biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fibers to help combat menstrual poverty and reduce plastic waste. It received US$2,500 in investment grant.

Beyond the cash prizes, the winners will undergo a six-month post-hackathon incubation programme with Genesys Tech Hub. The programme is valued at over US$10,000 and will provide structured mentorship, product refinement, investor readiness, and scaling support.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, the incubation support is a key part of the initiative. Chilo-Offiah, who also serves as the Director-General of the Enugu State SME Centre, said the focus on universities was intentional.

“This is an incubation programme that goes to the heart of the startup ecosystem, which is our universities. That is where innovation starts,” he said.

He explained that the top 10 teams advanced to the grand finale after emerging from campus rounds and participating in a 10-day intensive boot camp.

Governor Mbah said the Enugu Campus Hackathon was created to identify and accelerate high-potential technology talents across tertiary institutions in the state. He added that the hackathon reflects his administration’s deliberate strategy to build a modern, innovation-driven economy anchored on enterprise, technology, and private-sector growth.

Represented by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor stressed that the administration’s guiding philosophy “is a clear shift from consumption to productivity.”

“Enugu State must move from a consumption-driven structure to a productivity-led economy powered by enterprise, technology and a vibrant private sector. Today, we are not merely providing a platform for competition.

“We are architecting systems and institutional frameworks designed to unlock the vast potential of our youth. Our mission is to build a modern economy capable of competing on the global stage,” he stated.

Mbah further described the initiative as part of a broader investment in what he termed intellectual infrastructure.

“We are redesigning our educational system to produce problem-solvers rather than mere certificate holders. By modernising our curriculum and enabling technology-driven learning, we are preparing our young people for the demands of the future global workplace. This is what we call intellectual infrastructure,” he said.

2026 MILEAD Fellows Program Opens for African Women Leaders

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2026 MILEAD Fellows Program Opens for African Women Leaders

Application is open for the 2026 MILEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders, creating a new opportunity for young women across Africa to strengthen their leadership journey.

For over a decade, MILEAD Fellows have been catalysts for transformative change, breaking barriers, implementing life-changing initiatives, and challenging systems that discriminate against women and girls. The programme continues to focus on raising bold female leaders who are ready to make real impact in their communities and beyond.

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a bold and paradigm-shifting initiative committed to the long-term leadership development of promising young leaders selected as Fellows. It is crafted to identify, nurture, and elevate the next generation of African female leaders, equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in leadership roles across Africa.

The MILEAD Program will be granted to 25 outstanding young women who have demonstrated leadership potential in their community, organization, or profession. Fellows gain access to world-class knowledge, skills, values, and support systems considered crucial for success as 21st-century women leaders.

Participants benefit from a combination of training, experiential learning, and mentoring designed to build knowledge and skills, strengthen networks, and create a supportive ecosystem of women’s leadership on critical issues. The programme also links determined young women with influential and seasoned African leaders committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Fellows receive lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.

A key feature of the programme is the deliberate integration of community service into the yearlong training. Each Fellow will initiate and lead a community change project known as MiCHANGE, focused on a critical issue affecting their community or African women as a whole.

If you are a passionate emerging African woman leader ready to create a positive impact, we want you to apply. The call is open to dynamic young women aged 19–25 who are interested in honing transformational leadership skills to tackle issues facing women and girls in African communities.

The programme includes a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana and the implementation of a community change project. Selected candidates may be full-time students or professionals during the programme, except during the three-week summer institute.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme and application guidelines before submitting their entries. The deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026. Complete application forms, along with a CV and two recommendation letters, must be submitted via email.

Interested candidates are required to download the full 2026 Application Package, including the Application Pack and Recommendation-Form, and share the opportunity within their networks.

iHatch Cohort 5 Opens Application for Innovation Hubs in Nigeria

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iHatch Cohort 5 Opens Application for Innovation Hubs in Nigeria

Applications are now open for the iHatch Cohort 5 Hub Upskilling Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen innovation hubs and empower startup ecosystems across Nigeria. The programme is calling on experienced innovation hubs with the right structure, team, and operational capacity to help nurture the next generation of founders.

iHatch 5.0 will onboard 37 Innovation Hubs to lead structured startup training and ecosystem development efforts within their communities. Selected hubs will work closely with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) to deliver high-quality incubation support. The goal is to equip early-stage founders with mentorship, practical programmes, and access to valuable networks that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.

Through this initiative, participating hubs will gain access to a proven incubation framework, including practical tools and templates to strengthen how they design and deliver startup programmes. They will also receive guided onboarding, hands-on training sessions, and real-time support to improve programme delivery, reporting standards, and founder engagement strategies.

To be eligible, hubs must have operated for at least one year and demonstrate a clear track record of supporting startups or innovation-driven initiatives. Applicants must show commitment to startup ecosystem development, have experience in innovation management or startup support, and possess physical infrastructure suitable for incubation activities.

Interested hubs are required to submit their CAC registration certificate, links to their social media handles, and reports from past innovation events organized or co-implemented by the hub.

Applications open on 23rd February 2026 and close on 16th March 2026. Eligible hubs can apply through the official portal at https://ondi.nitda.gov.ng/#/ihatch.

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