Abuja: The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership Professionals Nigeria Limited, aimed at converting research results into enterprise innovation and socio-economic impact nationwide. Dr Maryam Ismaila, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, emphasized the significance of this partnership during the MoU signing in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Ismaila highlighted the event as a reflection of a shared commitment to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth, pointing out the vast opportunities available given that Nigeria hosts one of the largest youth populations globally. She noted that while young Nigerians are generating innovative solutions to real-world challenges, many of these ideas remain uncommercialized and underfunded.
The Youth Innovate Naija Initiative, as described by Ismaila, aims to change this narrative by positioning Nigerian youth as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The initiative will focus on expanding opportunities for growth and inclusion nationwide, supporting young Nigerians in turning their ideas into reality through funding, mentorship, partnerships, and market access.
The partnership is committed to empowering youth by providing pathways to access funding and resources, linking innovators with mentors and industry experts. This collaboration aims to scale ideas into viable enterprises across Nigeria and beyond, transforming the youth into agents of change and economic growth through skills development, enterprise support, and innovation hubs.
Dr Stephen Longe, Chairman of the institute, remarked on the importance of research-driven programs in achieving the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized the need for increasing productivity, skill capacity, and knowledge development among Nigerian youth, which has inspired the Youth Innovates Niger program initiative.
Longe noted that this initiative, the first of its kind in Africa, aims at national development by promoting collaboration between Nigerian institutions and non-formal educational sectors. The program intends to instill leadership drive, improve management standards, and strengthen professional competence across sectors, cultivating critical skills and leadership capabilities among emerging Nigerian professionals for economic advancement.