When you hear about innovation hubs in Nigeria, Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt often come to mind. But in Makurdi, Benue State, one visionary has quietly been building a movement that is shaping the future of young people through technology.

Meet Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh, Founder of SKYHub Nigeria and a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow. His work has impacted more than 10,000 individuals, supported 1,500 businesses, and incubated 12 startups — proving that innovation can thrive anywhere with the right vision and leadership.

In the first three months of 2025, Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh received at least four rejection emails from different applications. So when, on his birthday, March 13, a notification popped up from the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, he assumed it was another. Nigerians often call such messages “love letters” – a wry phrase that softens the sting of rejection.

“I was very scared to open it,” he recalls.

He had applied for the Mandela Washington Fellowship three times before, each ending in disappointment. This year, he was hopeful, but even that could not blunt the anxiety.

When he finally opened the email, the words on the screen stunned him. This time, it was an acceptance. He broke down, momentarily lost for words. Fondly known as “Prof.” among friends and colleagues, Solomon found himself retracing the long path that had brought him here.

“All the bootstrapping of many years without any formal funding, reaching this stage was a significant moment,” he says. “It was the best birthday gift.”

By July, Solomon was travelling back to Nigeria via Germany, having completed six weeks as a Mandela Washington Fellow at the University of Iowa, where he joined the Leadership in Business track.

Advice for Young People in Tech

“Start small, start now. Learn one skill, practice it, and build on it. Consistency matters more than perfection. Don’t wait for ideal conditions — use what you have to create value.”

Looking Ahead

Solomon’s journey began with a simple conviction: that young people in underserved regions should not be excluded from the opportunities of the digital economy.

“I wanted to build a platform where talent could be discovered, nurtured, and scaled — giving young people a chance to compete globally while solving local problems,” he explains.

That vision gave birth to SKYHub Nigeria, an innovation hub in Makurdi dedicated to building digital skills, supporting startups, and driving practical tech solutions.

Through SKYHub Nigeria, Solomon is committed to building the next generation of digital talent and entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities. His journey — from Makurdi to the Mandela Washington Fellowship — stands as a testament to what vision, persistence, and community-driven innovation can achieve.

Credit – itedgenews, joeyoffair