The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), in collaboration with Echo Invest Nigeria Limited, has initiated a strategic intervention to nurture young talents and build the foundation for future scientific and technological advancement in the country.
To this end, a five-day training and empowerment programme for 300 young scientists was held from 1st to 5th September 2025 at Amugo Town Hall, Akpugo, Enugu State.
The programme featured intensive training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications with ChatGPT, solar energy installation, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and computer programming. The sessions combined both theoretical and practical modules to ensure participants gained hands-on experience.
Representing the Director-General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, was Mrs. Ifeoma Nwabueze, the Centre Manager of Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Enugu.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Nwabueze reaffirmed the commitment of NBTI to nurturing young talents, stressing that the South East, with its abundant human capacity and potential, provides fertile ground for innovation. She emphasized that empowering young scientists with relevant skills and exposure is critical to national growth.
“This training was designed to inspire creativity, sharpen problem-solving abilities, and instill the values of innovation, resilience, and excellence among young scientists across the South East. We believe that investing in young minds today is the surest way to secure the future of science, technology, and national development.”
She encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly, learn, explore, and maximize every resource provided during the programme, assuring them that “the future is theirs to shape.”
Mrs. Nwabueze also appreciated the steadfast support of Echo Invest Nigeria Ltd, stakeholders, facilitators, and invited guests, noting that their presence was a strong testament to their shared commitment to the future of young scientists in Nigeria.
Some participants, who spoke with journalists, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and its partners, commending the initiative for equipping them with practical knowledge in AI tools, renewable energy, and digital technologies. They noted that the training has opened new opportunities for them to excel in their careers and contribute to national development.
With initiatives such as this, NBTI and its partners continue to lay a strong foundation for technological innovation, research, and human capital development across the South East and beyond.
