FutureMakers by NASENI: Shaping Nigeria’s Future, One Young Innovator at a Time

Do you know a young Nigerian with big ideas, curious questions, and a passion for solving real-life problems?
This Opportunity Monday, Keeping It Real (KIR) Foundation is excited to spotlight FutureMakers by NASENI. It is a powerful national innovation programme designed to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of innovators, inventors, and problem-solvers.

If you are between 5 and 16 years old, this could be the opportunity that sparks a lifelong journey into innovation and national impact.

About FutureMakers by NASENI

FutureMakers by NASENI is a groundbreaking national innovation programme committed to unlocking the potential of young Nigerians and transforming their raw ideas into practical solutions that drive national development and technological self-reliance.

The programme provides a supportive ecosystem where children and teenagers are encouraged to think creatively, innovate boldly, and tackle societal challenges using simple but powerful ideas. FutureMakers, at its core believes that Nigeria’s future can be built by empowering young minds today.

Vision and  Objectives

FutureMakers empowers young Nigerians to address pressing societal challenges through innovation. Thus, by providing training, mentorship, and financial support, the programme builds essential skills, fosters creativity, and strengthens Nigeria’s local innovation ecosystem.

The goal is clear:
To raise a generation of innovators capable of delivering homegrown, sustainable solutions to national challenges.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen
• Be between 5 and 16 years old
• Be interested in innovation and problem-solving
• Have a  parent/guardian’s  consent

This programme is open to all young innovators, regardless of background or experience.

Quick Tips for Applicants

• Focus on a real-world problem you want to solve
• Your idea does not need to be perfect, start with your raw thoughts and vision
• Think about who benefits most from your idea
• Use simple language to explain complex ideas, just like you are talking to a friend

Innovation starts with clarity, not complexity.

How the Programme Works

Applications & Selection
Young innovators submit their ideas through an online portal. 

Submissions are assessed based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.

Training and Mentorship
Selected participants receive intensive training in:

• Design thinking
• Business development
• Pitching
• Leadership skills

Hackathons and  Zonal Pitch Events
Participants compete in zonal pitch events across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

National Showcase
Top innovations from all zones are showcased in Abuja at the NASENI Invention Festival, where participants pitch to investors, industry leaders, and government officials for scaling and recognition.

Benefits and Opportunities

FutureMakers by NASENI offers life-changing opportunities, including:

• 💰 Grand prize of ₦5,000,000 to bring innovative ideas to life
• ✈️ Study tour abroad with the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NASENI
• 🎓 Scholarship to a top Nigerian university
• 🛠️ Technical training from seasoned experts
• 🌍 National exposure for innovations
• 🔬 Access to NASENI SparkLab
• 👥 One-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals

This programme reward ideas and builds innovators.

Thematic Areas by Zones

FutureMakers addresses region-specific challenges, including:

• North West: Gender barriers to innovation
• North Central: Food security challenges due to insurgency
• North East: Conflict and security issues
• South West: High cost of education
• South South: Weak academia -industry integration
• South East: Child trading instead of schooling

Young innovators are encouraged to design solutions rooted in their lived realities.

Why This Opportunity Matters

FutureMakers by NASENI is a movement. 

It gives young Nigerians the confidence, skills, and platforms they need to believe in their ideas and act on them.

 Eleanor Roosevelt once said:
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Ready to Shape the Future?

If you are a young Nigerian dreamer, thinker, or problem-solver, or a parent/ guardian supporting one; FutureMakers by NASENI is your chance to be part of Nigeria’s innovation revolution.

👉 Apply now and let your ideas change the world.
FutureMakers – Applicant Form — Elementor – FutureMakers