The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has announced an empowerment programme targeting youths across seven states in the North-West region.
The initiative was confirmed in a statement by Aisha Bantam, Head of Corporate Affairs at NIGCOMSAT, in Abuja.
The programme, which includes a Space-Tech Hackathon and training in Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) installation, is open to youths from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa.
Scheduled to take place from 7th to 11th April 2025 in Dutse, Jigawa State, the event will welcome participants such as start-ups, local innovators, and students from across the region.
Bantam encouraged interested individuals to register via the NIGCOMSAT Ltd. website, highlighting that the initiative aims to equip young Nigerians—particularly university students, innovators, and professionals—with technical skills and problem-solving abilities in space technology.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Ltd., Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, emphasised that the five-day programme will provide participants with hands-on experience in identifying challenges, developing innovative ideas, building prototypes, and receiving mentorship using satellite technology.
“The winning team will be given the opportunity to join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme, Cohort 2025, where they can refine and implement their project,” she added.
Additionally, 100 youths will undergo training in VSAT installation, which facilitates broadband connectivity in remote areas. The certification, Egerton-Idehen noted, will enhance job prospects by equipping participants with in-demand technical skills.
“This initiative will enable young people to explore lucrative career opportunities or venture into entrepreneurship within the ICT sector,” she said.
The statement also recalled that a similar hackathon and VSAT training for the North-East region took place in Yola from 24th to 28th February.
“The Space-Tech Hackathons and VSAT Training programmes are designed to inspire innovation, address community challenges, and combat youth unemployment across Nigeria,” Egerton-Idehen stated.
“The North-West edition will be jointly hosted by Jigawa State and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.”
