Technology is rapidly reshaping the future of work, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the globe. For Nigeria, a nation blessed with a vibrant and youthful population, the adoption of digital skills and tech-driven solutions is crucial to tackling developmental challenges and creating sustainable opportunities. Recognizing this need, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYSD), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), launched the 60-Day Programming Challenge to empower young Nigerians.
Now in its 2025 edition, this challenge has become a vital platform for tech-savvy youths between the ages of 18 and 35 to showcase their creativity, develop innovative solutions, and address pressing issues across various industries. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s vision of equipping its youth with the digital and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the FMYSD/BOI 60-Day Programming Challenge 2025, including its objectives, eligibility, focus sectors, benefits, application process, and why it remains one of the most exciting opportunities for Nigerian youths passionate about technology and innovation.
Objectives of the 60-Day Programming Challenge
The challenge was created with clear objectives in mind:
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Encouraging Innovation – Inspire Nigerian youths to think outside the box and build real solutions to local and global problems.
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Developing Digital Skills – Equip participants with coding, design, and problem-solving abilities that can lead to careers in technology.
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Promoting Entrepreneurship – Encourage young people to convert their innovative ideas into viable businesses.
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Nation-Building – Harness the creativity of the youth to support national development by solving problems in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.
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Global Competitiveness – Position Nigerian youths as global players in technology by creating opportunities for them to showcase their talent.
These objectives make the program more than just a coding competition; it is a movement that builds the next generation of Nigerian innovators.
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Participate?)
The FMYSD/BOI 60-Day Programming Challenge is designed for young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35, in line with the National Youth Policy.
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Nationality: Only Nigerian citizens can participate.
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Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
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Skill Level: Both beginners and experienced programmers are welcome. Creativity, problem-solving, and willingness to learn are the most important qualities.
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Commitment: Participants must be able to dedicate time and effort to complete the challenge over the 60-day period.
This inclusivity ensures that both students and young professionals across Nigeria have an equal opportunity to showcase their skills.
Focus Sectors for 2025
The challenge focuses on six key industries where technology can drive massive impact. Participants are expected to develop innovative ideas, applications, or software solutions that solve real-world problems in these sectors:
1. Agriculture (Agri-Tech)
Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet farmers face challenges like poor yields, pest attacks, and lack of access to modern tools. Agri-tech solutions can:
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Improve crop monitoring through precision agriculture.
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Introduce smart irrigation systems.
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Detect pests and diseases early.
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Provide platforms for farmers to access markets and financial services.
2. Education Technology (Edu-Tech)
Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. Edu-tech innovations can:
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Create online learning platforms.
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Build virtual classrooms for remote teaching.
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Develop educational games that improve engagement.
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Provide affordable access to underserved communities.
3. Financial Technology (FinTech)
The fintech industry has transformed payments, savings, and lending in Nigeria. However, opportunities still exist for:
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Building apps that promote financial inclusion.
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Offering solutions for microloans and savings.
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Enhancing secure mobile payment systems.
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Providing financial literacy tools for youths and small businesses.
4. Health Technology (Health-Tech)
Healthcare is one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors. Health-tech solutions can:
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Expand telemedicine services.
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Provide tools for disease management and tracking.
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Develop apps that promote fitness and healthy lifestyles.
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Improve access to healthcare services in underserved communities.
5. Sports Technology (Sports-Tech)
Sports is a passion for Nigerians, but technology can make it even better. Sports-tech innovations can:
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Help athletes improve performance through analytics.
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Provide fan engagement platforms.
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Track health and fitness progress.
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Simplify team and tournament management.
6. Telecommunications (Telecom-Tech)
Telecommunication is the backbone of digital communication. Innovations can:
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Improve connectivity in rural areas.
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Provide tools for affordable data usage.
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Enhance communication devices and systems.
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Create platforms for efficient telecom service management.
By targeting these six industries, the challenge ensures that participants focus on areas that directly impact Nigeria’s growth and development.
Awards and Benefits for Winners
One of the biggest attractions of the 60-Day Programming Challenge is the range of benefits it offers participants and winners.
Prizes
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10 Grand Prize Winners – Each receives ₦1 million.
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Business Development Training – Winners undergo training to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
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Laptop Computers – To support continued learning and development.
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Certificates – 50 participants receive FMYSD Certificates of Attendance.
Additional Benefits
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Skill Development – Every participant gains new coding and problem-solving skills.
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Networking – Participants connect with other innovators, mentors, and industry leaders.
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Visibility – Outstanding ideas may attract the attention of investors and accelerators.
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Confidence and Motivation – Completing a 60-day challenge builds resilience and self-belief.
These benefits make the program a valuable opportunity even for those who do not win the top prizes.
Application Process for 2025
The application process for the FMYSD/BOI 60-Day Programming Challenge 2025 is simple and transparent:
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Visit the official FMYSD or BOI portal to access the application form.
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Create an account using a valid email and phone number.
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Fill out the application form with accurate personal details.
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Select a sector (agriculture, edu-tech, fintech, health, sports, or telecommunications).
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Describe your project idea clearly, explaining how it solves a problem in the chosen sector.
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Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Timeline
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Opening Date: January 9, 2025
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Closing Date: March 10, 2025
Only complete and timely applications will be considered.
Challenges the Program Solves for Nigerian Youths
Before initiatives like this, many young Nigerians faced barriers such as:
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Lack of access to structured coding programs.
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Limited exposure to entrepreneurship and business development.
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Few platforms to showcase their creativity and ideas.
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Financial barriers to pursuing technology training.
The 60-Day Programming Challenge breaks these barriers by providing free, structured, and rewarding training and competition.
Impact and Success Stories
Past editions of the challenge have produced success stories that highlight its importance. Many participants have:
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Launched startups using their challenge projects.
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Secured jobs in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
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Earned freelance opportunities with international clients.
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Developed apps addressing education, agriculture, and healthcare needs in Nigeria.
These stories show how such programs can transform not just individuals but also communities.
Conclusion
The FMYSD/BOI 60-Day Programming Challenge 2025 is more than a competition; it is a movement that inspires Nigerian youths to embrace technology, solve real-world problems, and create a brighter future. By focusing on key industries like agriculture, education, health, sports, fintech, and telecommunications, the challenge addresses pressing national issues while equipping participants with practical digital skills.
For Nigerian youths between the ages of 18 and 35, this program offers an opportunity to learn, innovate, compete, and win. Whether you walk away with the grand prize or not, the experience itself is life-changing.