Plateau State Government has officially unveiled the maiden edition of the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST), a flagship initiative designed to reposition the state as a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation in Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Honourable Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, who described the festival as a “landmark initiative” aimed at unlocking the creative and technological potential of the state.
The festival, scheduled to hold from June 1 to 3, 2026, at the Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos, is expected to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and researchers to explore practical solutions to development challenges through science and technology.
According to Dr. Shurkuk, the initiative is not just an event but a long-term strategy to harness Plateau State’s youthful population, natural resources and growing innovation ecosystem for sustainable development.
He noted that Plateau State faces significant challenges in areas such as education, agriculture, mining, unemployment and infrastructure, but stressed that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation-driven solutions.
“PLASSTIFEST was conceived to be a platform that connects ideas to opportunities, innovators to investors, and challenges to solutions,” he said. “It is a declaration that Plateau State is ready to take its rightful place as a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.”
The Commissioner added that the festival aligns with the vision of the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whose administration has prioritised innovation, youth empowerment and economic transformation under the guiding principle that “the time is now.”
He explained that the maiden edition, themed “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” will focus on promoting practical applications of science and technology in addressing societal needs.
Key activities lined up for the festival include exhibitions of local innovations and startups, keynote addresses, panel discussions on innovation and job creation, innovation awards, and networking sessions between investors and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Shurkuk further disclosed that the festival has attracted high-level federal participation, including the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, as well as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), underscoring growing national attention on Plateau’s innovation agenda.
He said the presence of federal stakeholders is expected to boost investor confidence and open up new opportunities for partnerships in science, technology and enterprise development.
Beyond the three-day event, the Commissioner noted that PLASSTIFEST will operate as a year-long initiative through mentorship programmes, innovation support systems and community engagement activities aimed at sustaining the momentum of technological growth in the state.
He urged students, entrepreneurs, researchers, farmers, and business owners to actively participate in the festival, describing it as an inclusive platform for all citizens to contribute to the state’s development.
“Every idea matters. Every innovation counts. This is an opportunity for our young people to step forward and shape the future of Plateau State,” he added.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for his support, describing it as critical to the successful launch of the initiative. He further acknowledged development partners and stakeholders who have supported the vision of building a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the state.
With the launch of PLASSTIFEST, Plateau State has taken a significant step toward strengthening its position in Nigeria’s emerging digital economy, while signaling its readiness to attract investment, nurture startups and promote technology-driven development.
