National AI Innovation Challenge 2026 for Nigerian Innovators

The National AI Innovation Challenge 2026 is a national competition run by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). Its field is computer science and IT, with artificial intelligence at the centre, and it is open only to applicants from Nigeria. There is no academic level requirement, so students, graduates and working professionals can all take part. Entries close on 12 October 2026.

Who can apply

The competition is limited to Nigerian citizens, and Nigeria is also the host country. Applicants at any level are welcome: a university student and an experienced developer compete under the same rules and the same cut-off. Everything you send, from the application itself to the supporting materials, must be written in English.

Key dates

Applications opened on 22 September 2026. The final deadline is 12 October 2026 at 23:59 West Africa Time (Lagos time). NCAIR states that late submissions will not be accepted, so a file that arrives a few minutes after the cut-off will not be considered.

Before you apply

• Read the full rules on the official NCAIR page before you start work, and check exactly what the organisers expect you to submit.
• Prepare your supporting materials in English early and ask someone you trust to proofread them.
• Aim to submit at least a day before the deadline, which leaves time for upload problems or a weak connection.
• Keep copies of everything you submit, together with any confirmation you receive.