The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) launched FutureMakers, a flagship initiative to spark innovation and technical skills among young Nigerians. The programme aims to turn classroom learning into marketable products and businesses across the country.
NASENI FutureMakers: programme goals and structure
FutureMakers seeks to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap by giving youth hands‑on experience in engineering, prototyping, and product development. NASENI plans incubators, maker spaces, and regional training hubs to support participants. The curriculum combines short technical courses, mentorship, and access to fabrication tools.
Selected students will work on real projects with industry partners. The agency will prioritise sectors such as renewable energy, local manufacturing, health devices, and agriculture tech. By linking training to market needs, NASENI expects graduates to move from concept to commercial pilot faster.
Regional reach and inclusion
NASENI intends to place FutureMakers hubs in major states and underserved regions. The aim is to democratise access to equipment, trainers, and seed funding. Special outreach will target women, persons with disabilities, and rural youth to ensure inclusive participation. Local partnerships with polytechnics and state governments will support logistics and trainee recruitment.
The agency will also run online components to widen reach. Remote learners can access tutorials, design resources, and virtual mentorship, while selected teams will be invited to central labs for hands‑on prototyping.
Partnerships and funding model
FutureMakers will operate on a public‑private partnership model. NASENI plans to collaborate with manufacturing firms, telecoms, universities, and donor agencies for equipment, curriculum design, and seed grants. Industry partners will provide real‑world briefs and potential procurement pathways for successful prototypes.
The funding model includes competitive micro‑grants for prototype scaling and revenue‑sharing agreements where NASENI helps commercialise viable products. This approach aims to attract private capital and create sustainable support for the programme.
Expected economic impact
If widely adopted, FutureMakers could boost local manufacturing and reduce import dependence for key components. The programme targets job creation in technical trades, small‑scale production, and service support for new products. Successful startups emerging from the initiative can generate local supply chains and attract further investment.
By focusing on applied engineering, NASENI hopes to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to produce essential goods, from solar appliances to medical devices. That capacity can improve resilience in sectors vulnerable to global supply disruptions.
Backstory: NASENI’s mandate and prior work
NASENI was created to promote indigenous engineering and industrial infrastructure. Over the years, the agency has supported small manufacturing projects and technology transfer. FutureMakers builds on this legacy by scaling training and providing a structured route from prototype to market.
The programme responds to long‑standing calls for practical STEM education and for linking universities to industry. It also aligns with national aims to diversify the economy and increase local value‑addition.
Timeline and how to apply
NASENI will roll out pilot hubs and calls for applications across selected states. Prospective applicants should prepare brief project proposals or indicate interest in technical training tracks. The agency will publish selection criteria and timelines through state partners and academic institutions.
Organisers encourage teams with interdisciplinary skills—engineering, design, business—to apply. Priority will be given to projects with clear social impact and market potential.
Conclusion
FutureMakers positions NASENI at the center of Nigeria’s push to convert talent into industry. By combining hands‑on training, private partnerships, and local fabrication capacity, the programme offers a practical pathway for youth to build products and businesses. If implemented effectively, NASENI FutureMakers can strengthen domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and foster sustainable innovation across Nigeria.
