According to reporting by Leadership, the Nigerian government is set to unveil a major technological empowerment initiative dubbed the “Connect NextGen” Innovation Hackathon. The four-month-long program, which is being coordinated through the Office of the Vice President, officially kicks off on February 11, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This partnership with global telecommunications giant Ericsson is designed to equip Nigerian youths with advanced skills in modern technologies, fostering a new generation of digital entrepreneurs.
The initiative aligns with the broader national agenda to deepen digital inclusion and create high-value jobs within the tech ecosystem. By leveraging Ericsson’s global expertise, the hackathon will provide participants with hands-on training and mentorship in emerging fields like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT). The government expects that the solutions developed during this period will address local challenges while positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub in the global digital economy.
In validation of this development, The Nation reports that the “Connect NextGen” program is a critical component of the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda for the ICT sector. The publication quotes a senior official from the Vice President’s office stating, “This hackathon is not just a competition but a strategic pipeline for talent discovery and national development.” Similarly, ThisDay emphasizes the private-sector involvement, noting that “Ericsson’s technical leadership will provide the necessary backbone for Nigerian youths to innovate at scale.”
Echotitbits take:
This move signals a shift toward practical, industry-led skill acquisition rather than just theoretical training. By involving a global leader like Ericsson, the government is bridging the gap between local talent and international standards. Watch for how the winning innovations are integrated into the public and private sectors over the next fiscal year.
Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/fed-govt-ericsson-to-launch-connect-nextgen-innovation-hackathon/, February 11, 2026
Photo credit: The Nation
