Joel Ajayi

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has urged Nigerian youths to move beyond consuming technology to becoming creators, innovators and inventors capable of competing on the global stage.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu gave the charge at the 2026 Emerging Youth Leaders Summit, hosted by Gracelink Foundation in Abuja on Monday.The summit which featured no fewer than 1000 young Nigerians, was titled,” Rise, Build, Become”.

The summit is designed to facilitate learning, mentorship and inspiration for youths through engagements with accomplished Nigerians.Halilu Represented by the agency’s acting Director, Research and Laboratory Development, Dr Bakare Hassan, urged the youths to take advantage of NASENI’s Science Kits for Secondary Schools Programme to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology.

According to him, Nigeria’s future depends on the country’s ability to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, technology and opportunities to solve national challenges.“We want our young people to grow from being consumers of technology into creators, innovators, and inventors who can compete globally.

“We are creating opportunities for young Nigerian innovators to access funding, mentorship, and the support needed to transform promising ideas into viable products and businesses.

“You do not have to wait until you occupy a position of authority before you begin to make a difference. Start by identifying a problem around you, ask questions, learn new skills, collaborate with others, and develop solutions.

“Leadership is not merely about the position you occupy; it is about the problems you solve and the positive impact you make.

“Our message to every young girl is simple; your gender should never limit your ambition, creativity, or contribution to national development.”

The executive vice chairman called on the GraceLink foundation, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and young innovators to collaborate with NASENI in advancing science education, engineering development, and entrepreneurship.

In her remarks, the President of GraceLink foundation, Mrs Obioma Levi-Johnson called on the Federal Government to introduce leadership education and mentorship programmes in schools to prepare young Nigerians for future leadership roles.

Levi-Johnson said leadership development should begin in the classroom, emphasising the need to equip teachers with the resources and skills required to nurture responsible and value-driven young people.

According to her, leadership goes beyond occupying political offices; young people can become leaders in various fields, including medicine, engineering, technology and other professions.

“Leadership is not only being the president or being in the senate or even being a governor in the state. Leadership goes beyond that. People can lead in different industries.”

She said that summit was designed to inspire teenagers aged between 13 and 18 through interactions with professionals, innovators and other accomplished individuals.

She noted that mentorship was a critical component of youth development, saying that guidance from experienced professionals could help young people to make informed career choices and avoid mistakes.

The Chairman of the Gracelink foundation, Mr Samuel Ekweghariri, urged youths to assess political candidates based on track records, performance and ability to address societal challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said that young Nigerian youths must resist monetary inducements and other considerations that could undermine their ability to make informed electoral choices, stressing the need to prioritise candidates with proven records of creating value.

“As we move into the electoral season, I will like young Nigerians to think of what they want to be in five or 10 years because the decisions that our government makes today will impact and affect that future,” he said.

Ekweghariri advised voters against supporting candidates merely because of their appearance, campaign promises or inducement.

The chairman also advised the electorate to examine candidate’s previous performances and contributions to society.

According to him, voters should consider whether candidates have demonstrated the capacity to address existing challenges and provide solutions to emerging needs.

“You do not vote because of how somebody looks or what somebody has said. You vote because of the knowledge you have about their track record and the value they have created in their previous positions or careers.”

Ekweghariri explained that the quality of political leadership had implications for the country’s technological development, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

He said that emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) required reliable electricity and affordable internet connectivity.

He also said voters should therefore consider candidates’ commitment to providing essential infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for innovation and economic growth.

The initiative forms part of NASENI’s broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s science, engineering and technology ecosystem by identifying innovators early and creating pathways for their ideas to progress from prototypes towards funding, development and eventual commercialisation.

The event was attended by the Managing Director of AEDC, Mr Chijioke Okwuokenye, the Africa Regional Lead, HealthLearn, Dr Obinna Ebirim, the Co-Founder, Buypower Inc., Mr Oladipo Asehinde, the Founder, DVIPC Academy, Ms Onyekachi Eriobu-Aniede, among others