Tech Hackathon: Mbah’s Economic Reform Shifts From Consumption To Productivity

By Cosmas Chukwu—

​In a decisive move to transition from a consumption-based to a productivity-led economy, the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has launched a strategic initiative to harness the intellectual capital of its youth.

This vision, anchored on bold economic reforms and institutional discipline, aims to position the state as a modern, innovation-driven hub.

Addressing participants and other innovators at the end of the Hackathon festival, the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the state government, Chidiebere Onyia, said that by shifting the focus toward productivity, the administration is building a framework where technology and the private sector drive growth, ensuring the state remains competitive on a global stage.

“This transformation is not merely a policy shift but a deliberate effort to create an ecosystem where knowledge development is the primary engine of economic advancement

“​The cornerstone of this economic agenda is a comprehensive reform of the educational system, moving away from a culture of mere certificate acquisition toward the cultivation of problem solvers

“By modernising curricula and integrating technology-driven learning, the state is preparing its young population for the sophisticated demands of the global work environment.

“This focus on intellectual infrastructure aligns with the broader deployment of smart green schools and the expansion of healthcare facilities across the state

“This administration views these investments in human capital as essential components of a modern state, where policy directly meets opportunity to unlock untapped potential”. Onyia said.

​Central to this strategy is the Enugu State Campus Hackathon, a state-backed innovative process designed to identify and refine high-potential technology talents within tertiary institutions.

Unlike transient events, this hackathon is a structured pipeline intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry. It serves as a laboratory for homegrown solutions to real-world problems, ensuring that the innovation emerging from universities is grounded in practical application.

The SSG said that through this initiative, the government is actively nurturing the innovation capacity of its people, fostering an environment where local talent can thrive and compete.

“​The path to the grand finale was marked by rigorous validation and competitive engagements across six premier institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT).

“Other participating schools included Godfrey Okoye University and Coal City University, where student teams were subjected to intensive scrutiny.

“This process ensured that only the most viable ideas moved forward, emphasising the administration’s commitment to excellence and high-impact results”. Onyia emphasised.

This academic rigour is designed to ensure that the eventual outputs are not just theoretical concepts but functional business models.

​During an intensive boot camp, selected teams underwent product validation to ensure their innovations addressed specific economic challenges within Enugu State.

This was followed by business model stress testing, which involved subjecting their concepts to strict market analysis and disciplined execution planning. This level of scrutiny is intended to prepare these young entrepreneurs for the harsh realities of the global market.

The incentives provided to the winners are viewed not as mere grants, but as equity in the future founders of Enugu State’s economy.

The first-place winner receives $5,000 in cash along with six months of intensive incubation support valued at over $10,000.

This combination of capital and mentorship is designed to refine the winners’ concepts and transform them into scalable businesses that contribute to the state’s GDP.

​The second and third-place winners are also well-compensated, receiving $3,500 and $2,500, respectively, alongside similar structured enterprise and incubation support.

Governor Mbah’s administration emphasises that the incubation component is the most critical element of the prize, as it provides the necessary refinement for products to solve real-world situations.

This hands-on support ensures that the innovation remains sustainable and that the creators have the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of starting a technology venture. The investment reflects a long-term view of wealth creation through human capital.

​Ultimately, the Enugu State Campus Hackathon represents a microcosm of the state’s broader economic ambitions. By investing in the youth and providing a platform for rigorous innovation, the administration is laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. The focus remains on creating a sustainable cycle of productivity that elevates the entire state.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on SME Development and Investment Promotion, Arinze Chilo Offiah, said that the Campus Hackathon, an incubation program, targets universities, recognising them as hubs for innovation and creativity.

“Alongside the university participants, a separate category for individuals who have already graduated was also included, making the competition diverse and inclusive

“Info sessions were conducted across all participating schools, followed by campus rounds that identified top performers. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), saw 15 teams make the cut, while other universities had six teams each move forward

“These selected teams then underwent a 10-day rigorous boot camp in partnership with Genesis, where they received intensive training. The boot camp culminated in the identification of the top 10 teams, who are now set to showcase their skills”. Offiah stated.

The Enugu Campus Hackathon aims to nurture innovation and support startups, aligning with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to drive digital entrepreneurship and economic growth in Enugu State.

The program has garnered support from partners like Genesys Tech Hub, The Garage, and Capitis Global Ventures, emphasising its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. With a total prize pool of N16 million, the hackathon is expected to boost the state’s innovation ecosystem.

As these young innovators move from the hackathon to the marketplace, they carry with them the potential to redefine Enugu’s economic identity, proving that the state is indeed ready to lead in the global knowledge economy.