The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has introduced a youth empowerment initiative targeting the North-West region of Nigeria. The programme aims to equip participants with advanced technological skills and improve broadband access in remote areas.
The initiative, featuring a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training, is scheduled to take place in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Aisha Bantam, NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Corporate Affairs, confirmed that the programme is designed to engage university students, start-ups, and local innovators from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
Interested participants can register via the official link: https://bit.ly/VSAT_JIGAWA.
NIGCOMSAT previously organised a similar programme in the North-East, hosting a regional Space-Tech Hackathon in Yola, Adamawa State, from February 24 to 28. That event, co-hosted with the Adamawa State Government, focused on grassroots innovation in satellite technology, driving economic and social impact.
Providing further details, NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen, highlighted that the five-day event would offer mentorship and hands-on experience in satellite technology.
“The hackathon provides participants with a platform to identify challenges, generate ideas, develop prototypes, and receive expert mentorship,” she explained.
She also announced that the winning team from the hackathon would be enrolled in the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme Cohort 2025, where they will receive further support to develop and implement their projects.
Beyond the hackathon, Egerton-Idehen revealed that 100 youths will receive specialised training in VSAT installation, a crucial technology for expanding broadband access in underserved communities.
Egerton-Idehen reiterated that the overarching goal of the initiative is to inspire technological innovation, tackle community challenges, and reduce youth unemployment across Nigeria.
She also confirmed that the North-West Hackathon and VSAT training will be jointly hosted by Jigawa State and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.
