The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has urged Nigerian youths to move beyond consuming technology and become creators, innovators and inventors capable of competing globally.
NASENI Executive Vice-Chairman Khalil Halilu gave the charge at the 2026 Emerging Youth Leaders Summit, hosted by the GraceLink Foundation in Abuja on Monday.
The summit, titled “Rise, Build, Become,” brought together more than 1,000 young Nigerians. It was designed to support youth learning and development through mentorship and engagement with accomplished Nigerians.
Represented by the agency’s Acting Director of Research and Laboratory Development, Dr Bakare Hassan, Halilu urged youths to take advantage of NASENI’s Science Kits for Secondary Schools Programme and pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.
According to him, Nigeria’s future depends on equipping 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, asking questions, learning new skills, collaborating with others and developing 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.”
Halilu called on the GraceLink Foundation, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and young innovators to collaborate with NASENI to advance science education, engineering and entrepreneurship.
In her remarks, GraceLink Foundation President 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. She emphasised the need to equip teachers with the resources and skills to nurture responsible, values-driven young people.
She said leadership went beyond holding political office, noting that young people could lead in fields such as medicine, engineering and technology.
“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 the summit was designed to inspire teenagers aged 13 to 18 through interactions with professionals, innovators and other accomplished people.
She described mentorship as a critical part of youth development, saying guidance from experienced professionals could help young people make informed career choices and avoid mistakes.
The chairman of the GraceLink Foundation, Samuel Ekweghariri, urged youths to assess political candidates based on their track records, performance and ability to address societal challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said young Nigerians should resist monetary inducements and other influences that could undermine informed electoral choices, and prioritise candidates with a record of creating value.
“As we move into the electoral season, I would like young Nigerians to think about what they want to be in five or 10 years, because the decisions our government makes today will affect that future,” he said.
Ekweghariri advised voters against supporting candidates solely because of their appearance, campaign promises or inducements. He urged them to consider candidates’ past performance and contributions to society.
According to him, voters should assess whether candidates have demonstrated the ability to address existing challenges and respond 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 said the quality of political leadership affected the country’s technological development, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
He noted that emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence required reliable electricity and affordable internet connectivity. Voters, he said, should consider candidates’ commitment to providing essential infrastructure and creating an environment that supports innovation and economic growth.
The event was attended by the Managing Director of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye; Africa Regional Lead at HealthLearn, Dr Obinna Ebirim; Buypower Inc. Co-Founder Oladipo Asehinde; and DVIPC Academy Founder Onyekachi Eriobu-Aniede, among others.
