By Asile Abel, Jos
The Plateau State Government has unveiled plans to host the inaugural edition of the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST), scheduled to hold from June 1 to 3, 2026, at the Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos.
The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, made this known to the public, describing the initiative as a landmark step aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement across the state.
Shurkuk said the festival is designed as a transformative platform to showcase local creativity, connect innovators with investors, and chart a sustainable future for Plateau State through science and technology.
“This festival is a bold declaration that Plateau is ready to emerge as a leading hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and technological development in Nigeria,” he said.
The commissioner acknowledged existing challenges in education, agriculture, mining, youth unemployment and infrastructure development, but noted that the state possesses enormous opportunities rooted in its rich natural resources, youthful population and growing innovation ecosystem.
He said the festival was conceived to harness these strengths and channel them into practical solutions capable of improving lives, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth.
The maiden edition is themed “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future” — a call to action for citizens to embrace innovation and technology as tools for development.
Shurkuk said the initiative aligns with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s development mantra, “The Time is Now,” stressing that the state must move from dependency to creativity, from consumption to production, and from challenges to opportunities.
According to him, the festival will focus on leveraging science and technology to improve citizens’ quality of life, create employment opportunities, strengthen education and research, promote digital inclusion and build a thriving startup ecosystem.
He disclosed that the event will attract high-profile participants, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
Their participation, he said, underscores federal government support for science, technology and innovation, and would help attract investors, development partners and other stakeholders to the state.
Activities lined up for the festival include exhibitions by local innovators and startups, keynote presentations, panel discussions on innovation and job creation, networking sessions, and an innovation awards ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions in the sector.
The commissioner added that PLASSTIFEST is designed as a year-long initiative that will extend beyond the launch event through mentorship programmes, innovation support schemes and community outreach activities aimed at sustaining a culture of innovation.
“This is more than a festival — it is a movement intended to position Plateau as a centre of excellence in science, technology and innovation, and to create a new narrative for the state beyond its natural attractions,” he said.
Shurkuk called on students, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, small and medium-scale enterprises and the general public to participate actively and contribute to shaping the state’s future.
He commended Governor Mutfwang for his support and commitment to creating opportunities for young innovators, and thanked partners, sponsors and collaborators for helping to turn the vision into reality.
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