The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has called on Corp members and Interns serving within the agency to turn their innovative ideas into viable technology startups. He assured them of NITDA’s full support in transforming their concepts into tangible products and services that can make a national impact.
The DG made this appeal during the grand finale of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0, held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The event featured creative presentations by Corp members and Interns who developed technology-driven projects under NITDA’s internal innovation programme. These initiatives were aimed at addressing real-world problems and enhancing public service delivery.
Empowering Youth through Innovation
Recounting his personal journey, Inuwa shared how his career in technology began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year more than two decades ago.
“I had an opportunity to build a website for my place of primary assignment, and that experience changed my life,” he said. “Before completing my service year, I got a contract worth ₦1.5 million to develop another website. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to creating value through technology.”
Inuwa revealed that NITDA currently accommodates over 550 Corp members, many of whom struggle to find employment after NYSC. To address this, the agency has developed programmes that help them acquire digital skills, refine their creative ideas, and launch startups before the end of their service year.
“We understand the challenges of finding jobs after NYSC,” he noted. “That’s why we are giving you the tools and opportunities to start your entrepreneurial journey now. You can begin testing your ideas today.”
Innovation as a National Movement
The DG praised participants for their groundbreaking solutions, ranging from smart performance tracking systems and job placement platforms to certificate verification tools and digital branding solutions. “These are solutions Nigeria truly needs,” he emphasized. “Keep innovating, because your work will help define our digital future.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director in the DG’s Office, described the Innovation Challenge as more than just a competition. “This is a movement that will reshape how innovation happens in the public sector,” he said. “In years to come, the world will look back and recognize this moment as the beginning of a new era in digital governance.”
He added that the program was inspired by the DG’s vision to institutionalize innovation through a structured framework, leading to the creation of the NITDA Innovation Framework (NIF), a strategic roadmap for harnessing creativity and boosting efficiency across the public service.
Building the Foundation for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Under the NIF, staff, Corp members, and Interns were encouraged to identify and propose solutions to challenges within NITDA’s operations and the national digital transformation agenda. The maiden challenge drew 35 submissions from different departments, which were narrowed down to 13 priority challenges and 24 teams.
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Following weeks of workshops, mentorships, and pitch sessions, 23 teams completed projects addressing 10 key internal issues. Ten teams advanced to the final stage, where six emerged as winners.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top six teams, with Team X (COPA) taking first place, followed by Team Sentinel (Smart ID) in second, and Smart Track Innovators in third.
The NITDA Innovation Challenge reflects the agency’s broader commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving within the public sector, in alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
Through initiatives like this, NITDA is not only redefining governance but also serving as a launchpad for young Nigerian entrepreneurs ready to lead Africa’s digital transformation.
