NASENI launches ‘FutureMakers’ to ignite innovation, creativity in young Nigerians

*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, discloses the agency has launched ‘FutureMakers’ to identify, nurture and empower young innovators between the ages of 5 and 16 years

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched FutureMakers, a programme targeted at instilling a culture of innovation and creativity among children 15 years and below.

In his keynote address at the event Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Agency’s headquarters, in Abuja, FCT, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the technological future of Nigeria belongs to the younger generation, noting that FutureMakers by NASENI (www.innovation.naseni.gov.ng/futuremakers) will inspire young minds to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges by fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving.

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Chima Cletus Akwaja, Deputy Director Information, in a statement Thursday, December 11, 2025, noted Halilu said: “Today, we take another step toward securing Nigeria’s long-term innovation future.

“We are here to officially launch FutureMakers by NASENI, another national programme designed to identify, nurture and empower young innovators between the ages of 5 and 16 years.”

He said early exposure would create lifelong innovators and Nigeria is joining that league, through FutureMakers by NASENI.

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“FutureMakers an initiative of NASENI Innovation Hub is part of a long-term national strategy to build technical confidence early, develop problem-solvers and inventors, prepare young people for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship and leadership, strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem from the ground up and feed talent into NASENI’s incubation and acceleration programmes.

“This is our way of securing Nigeria’s innovation stability over the next 30 to 50 years”, he emphasised, urging parents to encourage their children to let creativity lead the way, to teachers, to make innovation a daily experience and to partners and the private sector, to invest, sponsor competitions, fund prototypes and raise a new generation of problem-solvers.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the EVC/CEO on Commercialisation and Efficiency, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, said FutureMakers is not just about design thinking, robotics, coding, engineering, or competitions.

It is about something deeper: believing in our children before the world has fully seen them, investing in their talent before their CV exists, and creating an experience that will stay with them for life. – The moment they realised they can build things, solve real problems and be a maker of the future.”

Also in her presentation, Head of NASENI Innovation Hub, Mrs. Rachael Oluwabusola Perez-Folayan stated that the programme, which holds from December 2025 to February 2026, would have a total number of 60 children selected from the six geo-political zones, with prizes worth up to N5million to top winners from each geopolitical zone, including an exclusive study tour abroad with the EVC of NASENI and a scholarship.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi commended the Agency for the initiative and thanked the mentors, teachers, parents and partners supporting the vision for standing behind the young talents.

“As we launch FutureMakers, let us renew our collective commitment to building a nation, where creativity is elevated, where ideas are supported and where the potential of every child is allowed to thrive.

“I believe that what we are doing today will inspire a new generation of young ones.”

The event was graced by students from Aflon Digital Academy, Kuje and Government Secondary School, Idu-Karmo Abuja respectively.

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