NIGCOMSAT has initiated a program in Nigeria’s North-West region aimed at equipping youth with technical skills through a Space-Tech Hackathon and VSAT training. The event, taking place in April 2023, invites participation from several states and focuses on innovation, mentorship, and broadband expansion in underserved communities.
The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has launched a youth empowerment initiative aimed at enhancing technological skills in the North-West region of Nigeria. This program includes a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training, set to be held in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11.
The initiative is designed to engage university students, start-ups, and local innovators from several states, including Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa. Interested individuals can register at the official link: https://bit.ly/VSAT_JIGAWA.
NIGCOMSAT previously organized a similar hackathon in the North-East region, hosted in Yola, Adamawa State. This earlier event focused on grassroots innovations in satellite technology, aiming to generate economic and social effects within the community.
NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen, stated that the upcoming five-day event will offer valuable mentorship and hands-on experience in satellite technology. Participants will tackle challenges, generate ideas, and develop prototypes with expert guidance.
Moreover, the winning team from this hackathon will secure a place in the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme Cohort 2025, granting them additional support for their projects. Additionally, 100 youths will also undergo specialized training in VSAT installation, which plays a vital role in enhancing broadband access in underserved areas.
Egerton-Idehen emphasized that the primary objective of this initiative is to foster technological innovation, address community challenges, and mitigate youth unemployment throughout Nigeria. She confirmed that the North-West Hackathon and VSAT training will be co-hosted by Jigawa State and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.
In conclusion, NIGCOMSAT’s new initiative stands as a strategic effort to empower youth in the North-West of Nigeria by enhancing technological skills and improving broadband access. Through the Space-Tech Hackathon and VSAT training, the program aims to inspire innovation and address significant community issues. The collaboration with local states underscores the importance of engaging stakeholders to tackle youth unemployment and encourage grassroots development in technology.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
