The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has launched a regional Space-Tech Hackathon to empower young Nigerians in the Northeast region. Themed “Building Grassroots Innovation in Satellite Technology,” the event is scheduled to take place from February 24 to 28 in Yola, Adamawa State.
Empowering Youth Through Innovation
In a statement signed by Aisha Bantam, Head of the Corporate Affairs Department at NIGCOMSAT, the initiative aims to foster technological advancement and youth participation in satellite technology.
According to NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, winning teams from the hackathon will advance to the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme (Cohort 2025), where they will refine their solutions with mentorship and resources to bring their products to market.
“The Hackathon is designed to engage and empower young university students, local innovators, and young professionals from across the country, with regional events planned in Imo (Southeast), Ondo (Southwest), Adamawa (Northeast), and Jigawa (Northwest),” she noted. Adamawa State will host the first edition, marking the beginning of a series of four regional hackathons.
Program Details
The initiative specifically targets university students, local innovators, and young professionals from six Northeastern states: Borno, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Adamawa.
Participants will receive training in Very Small Aperture Terminal (V-SAT) technology and work on identifying and solving community problems using space technology. The program will explore applications of NIGCOMSAT’s communication satellites, the National Space Research and Development Agency’s (NASRDA) satellites, and other emerging technologies. Each participating state will host a five-day hackathon.
Government Collaboration
The Adamawa State Government will co-host the event in collaboration with NIGCOMSAT Ltd. The hackathon aims to drive innovation, promote satellite technology awareness, and generate economic and social impact.
Mrs. Egerton-Idehen emphasized the broader vision of the initiative: “The goal is to ensure sectoral growth, raise awareness about the role of satellite technology in solving real-world problems, and foster economic and social impact.”
By equipping young Nigerians with critical technical skills, the initiative seeks to reduce youth unemployment and encourage technology-driven solutions for community challenges.
About NIGCOMSAT
NIGCOMSAT Limited is a government-owned entity under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. It manages and operates Nigeria’s communication satellites, providing services in telecommunications, broadcasting, broadband, and navigation.
The agency plays a crucial role in expanding Nigeria’s space technology sector, supporting national security, education, and e-governance initiatives.
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