NIGCOMSAT Limited has launched a youth empowerment initiative in Nigeria’s North-West to enhance technological skills and broadband access. The Space-Tech Hackathon and VSAT training will occur from April 7 to 11 in Dutse, Jigawa, targeting university students and local innovators. Winners will join an accelerator program, and 100 youths will receive specialized VSAT training to promote broadband expansion in underserved areas.
The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has launched a youth empowerment initiative, particularly focusing on the North-West region of Nigeria. This program aims to enhance technological skills among participants and improve broadband connectivity in remote areas. The initiative includes a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training, scheduled in Dutse, Jigawa from April 7 to 11.
NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Aisha Bantam, stated that the program is targeted at university students, start-ups, and local innovators from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Interested individuals can register via the official link: https://bit.ly/VSAT_JIGAWA.
Previously, NIGCOMSAT organized a similar event in the North-East, hosting a regional Space-Tech Hackathon in Yola, Adamawa State. This event focused on grassroots innovation in satellite technology, fostering economic and social development through collaboration with the Adamawa State Government.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director, provided additional insights into the upcoming event, emphasizing that it will feature mentorship and hands-on experiences in satellite technology. “The hackathon provides participants with a platform to identify challenges, generate ideas, develop prototypes, and receive expert mentorship,” she remarked.
Additionally, the winning team from the hackathon will be invited to join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme Cohort 2025, where they will obtain further support for their projects. Furthermore, Egerton-Idehen has announced that 100 youths will receive specialized training in VSAT installation, a vital technology for enhancing broadband access to underserved communities.
The initiative aims to inspire technological innovation, address community challenges, and mitigate youth unemployment throughout Nigeria. It will be jointly hosted by Jigawa State and NIGCOMSAT Ltd., reflecting a collaborative effort to empower the local youth and advance technology.
In summary, NIGCOMSAT’s new initiative emphasizes the development of technological skills in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, through the Space-Tech Hackathon and VSAT training. The program seeks to empower youth, enhance broadband access, and ultimately combat unemployment. By providing mentorship and the opportunity to participate in an accelerator program, NIGCOMSAT aims to foster innovation and support local communities.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
