The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has challenged Corps members and Interns serving in the agency to transform their creative ideas into viable technology startups, assuring them of NITDA’s full support in turning innovations into impactful products and services.
Inuwa made the call at the grand finale of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0, held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The event featured project presentations by Corps members and Interns who developed technology-driven solutions aimed at addressing real-life problems and improving service delivery.
A Personal Call to Innovate
Sharing his personal journey into technology, the DG revealed how his NYSC year over two decades ago shaped his career path.
“I had an opportunity to build a website for the place I served, and that opened doors for me,” Inuwa recalled. “Before I finished my service, a company offered me a ₦1.5 million contract to develop another website. Since then, I have remained committed to creating value through technology.”
Inuwa disclosed that NITDA currently hosts over 550 Corps members, many of whom face employment challenges after their service year. To address this, the agency is creating platforms that enable young graduates to acquire digital skills, refine their ideas, and build startups even before completing NYSC.
“We know it’s not easy to get jobs after NYSC,” he said. “So we are creating opportunities for you to build your own startups while you are here. You don’t have to wait until after your service year — you can start testing your ideas right now.”
The DG commended the young innovators for developing solutions such as smart performance tracking systems, digital branding tools, knowledge management platforms, job placement systems, and certificate verification technologies.
“These are solutions we truly need,” he said, encouraging them to keep exploring new possibilities and build solutions that will shape Nigeria’s digital future.
Innovation as a Movement
In his remarks, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director in the DG’s Office, described the NITDA Innovation Challenge as more than just a competition.
“What we are witnessing today is not just a programme but a movement,” Eniola said. “In the years to come, the world will look back at this moment and celebrate it because the innovations developed here will not only transform NITDA but the entire public service.”
He explained that the initiative is anchored on the DG’s vision to institutionalise innovation through the NITDA Innovation Framework (NIF) — a structured blueprint for harnessing creativity and enhancing public sector efficiency.
“Innovation is not about competition; it’s about collaboration,” he added. “Everyone who took part in this challenge has contributed to building the foundation of something much bigger.”
Turning Ideas into Action
Under the framework, staff, Corps members, and Interns were encouraged to identify real challenges within NITDA’s operations and Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and propose solutions.
The maiden edition of the challenge attracted 35 submissions, out of which 13 priority challenges were selected. This led to the formation of 24 teams that underwent workshops, mentorship, and pitching sessions.
Twenty-three teams successfully completed their projects, addressing 10 internal issues, while ten finalist teams pitched to the NITDA Innovation Council.
Six teams emerged winners, with Team X (COPA) taking first place, Team Sentinel (Smart ID) coming second, and Smart Track Innovators third. Others include Team Trivergent, Team TechLogs (SafeCheck), and a tie for sixth between Team Big Tech (Digital Brainbox) and Team SRAPture.
Driving Innovation in the Public Sector
The NITDA Innovation Challenge is part of the agency’s broader strategy to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving within the public sector, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
Through initiatives like this, NITDA aims to position itself as a model for innovation-driven governance and a launchpad for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
