(SINL NIGERIA) Stakeholders on Saturday converged on Abuja to unveil the logo of Nigeria Talent Exploration Challenge and also for media launch.
The Nigeria talent exploration challenge, is a national competition designed to discover, develop, and showcase exceptional talents among Nigerian students and young professionals.
Speaking at the occasion, the project coordinator, Faisal Rafindadi said the project was designed to promote innovation, creativity, and skills development among young Nigerians, aligning with the Federal Government’s vision to drive economic growth and development through technical and vocational education.
He stressed that “today, we gather to unveil a groundbreaking initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing the exceptional talents of Nigerian youths in technical and vocational fields”.
Rafindadi explained that the concept and initiative has its roots in Katsina State, where it began as the Katsina National Talent Hunt Challenge, initiated by the former Governor of Katsina, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. “We are proud to have evolved into the Nigeria Talent Exploration Challenge, expanding our scope to promote talents across the nation”.
He added that the project is in partnership with the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), saying it underscores “our commitment to excellence and relevance in technical education. Together, we aim to create a platform that inspires and empowers Nigerian youths to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs”.
The chairman of the occasion and former governor of Katsina state Rt. Hon Aminu Masari recalled how the talent hunt commenced in Katsina.
He said “First of all, let me tell you that I am a practical person, and I think going back to when we were campaigning for the Office of Governorship way back in 2014, what I observed is part of what motivated me to think, what are we going to do for the youth in particular, and the women.
“Looking at the crowd, I could safely say between 60 to 70% of all those who were gathered to hear, to see us, between the age of 15 to maximum 35, because all of them were not wearing caps. And looking at their dress, it was not meant to wear caps.
“So automatically I concluded, they are youth. Looking at the women, they haven’t been in politics for well over 30 years. At least in my state, Kauna, I haven’t ever known a village.
“So when we assumed office, the first thing we did, how do we empower youth? We trained over 10,000 youths with many skills” he said.
Executive secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje, one of the guest speakers said the Nigeria Talent Hunt which started in Katsina is now a national program, saying with the collaboration with the NBTE, it is now going to be part of the World Skills Competition agenda. “In 2024, Nigeria was admitted into World Skills International. World Skills is like the Olympics of skills competition where talents are brought out”.
Continuing, he said “Nigeria is now a member. Before the end of 2025, we shall have a World Skills Africa meeting in Zambia, Livingstone, Zambia. And I hope some of the winners of this talent hunt competition will represent Nigeria in Zambia.
“And after Zambia in 2026, there shall be another World Skills International gathering in Korea. And I hope products of this talent hunt will represent Africa in Korea. Africa is full of talents” Bugaje added.
Similarly, Chief mentor of the project, Jelani Aliyu one of the guest speakers observed that
“what important is not that paper qualification you hold in your hand, but what goes up in your mind so that the very next day after you graduate, you can make a difference to the group or to the party that you work with.
“And I think that is why this Nigeria talent challenge exploration is really crucial at this moment of our nation’s history. Because like we all know, there are millions and millions of very talented Nigerians who so far are unable to take the next step and really be relevant.
So this is an opportunity for them to be discovered, for them to come forward, regardless of where they’re from.
“A small village in the North, a small village in the South, wherever they may be, or a big city from anywhere in the country, to step forward, show us what you’re good at. And it’s an opportunity for you to take your career to the next level, not just in Nigeria, but add value to humanity” Aliyu concluded.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the logo of Talent Hunt by district Head of Garki, Alhaji Usman Ngakupa.
