Young Innovators Are Future Nigerian Billionaires – Osinbajo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said that knowledge in technology, computer and technical skills would make young innovators in Nigeria future Billionaires.

The Vice President made this known while speaking at the Northern Regional Finals of Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) event held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on Tuesday in Kano.

Higher institution in the Northern part of the country has about 51 of their students participating in the competition, after which six finalists were selected.

SIC is a programme of the Federal Government in partnership with private sector players which offers a platform for identifying and supporting innovative technology-driven business ideas and ventures across Nigerian universities.

The initiative give young innovators the opportunity and support to grow and groom their ideas. Also, it help young innovator relate with government functionaries and private mentors.

Osinbajo said that two months ago, he was in Lagos to attend the Southwest regional finals of the Students Innovation Challenge, in University of Lagos.

” At that event, I said `In the past, Nigeria’s billionaires were traders and oil and gas moguls but in the next few years, billionaires from Nigeria will be techies.

“Listening to the great ideas you have pitched today, I am even more convinced and have absolutely no doubt that a good number of tomorrow’s billionaires are seated here today.

“I understand that of the 600 applications received from the Northern region, 52 that made the long list were pitched to the judges today.

“I would like to commend everyone of the innovators who pitched. The journey to the fulfilment of your dreams has started and you should strive to enjoy every moment of that journey, with all its ups and downs.

“And this advice also applies to those who didn’t make the long list. Setbacks and disappointments are part of the entrepreneurship life; indeed they are part and parcel of human existence. You should never ever give up; try again, and again.” he said.

Osinbajo said that he was happy to reveal that it was the first time that a platform had been made available in Nigeria that gives students from all over the country the opportunity to pitch their business ventures and ideas to a panel of expert judges.

“And I should mention again that each of the winning businesses will receive an investment of one million naira.

“I am very excited by this project; excited by what it means for innovation in Nigeria; what it means for our future as a country.

“And being here with you feels like taking a front seat next to the stage onto which the next Andela, Flutterwave, Paga, Paystack, Jobberman and others are set to emerge. Interestingly many of the founders of these great businesses were educated here in Nigeria.

“You will all agree with me that the prospects are exciting; the future looks very promising. I wish you all – today’s innovators, tomorrow’s billionaires – the very best, and safe travels back to your various homes and bases,’’ he said.

Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the Governor of Kano State, in his speech, thanked the Vice President for his special interest in the event.

“We have to thank you for finding time to attend this occasion and want to thank the organizers for choosing BUK to be the centre of this presentation in the Northwest.

” I am not surprised because BUK is one the leading universities in Nigeria; the most populous university in Nigeria and also one of the leading in quality education in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The first position went to Light Ups from Unijos, using disposed water bottles to produce electric lanterns.

The second position went to Team Zazu Tech from BUK – prototype of a solar-powered tricycle for persons with disability fitted with phone charging pots, chamber for sale of wares and placement of adverts.

The third position went to Nylon Interlocks from Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi–using waste nylon materials to produce interlock instead of cement.