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Facebook, the social media giant, will sponsor a cyber-security competition in Lagos that seeks to develop the next generation of information security professionals in West Africa.

The competition, tagged CyberXchange Hackathon, is geared towards finding the best cyber security prototypes by testing the skills of software engineers working in teams of 4 to 6 people.

“We hope to discover new talents, methods and ideas; and to encourage development in the field of information security,” said Regina Wallace-Jones, Facebook’s Head of Security Operations.

Pre-qualifier registration for the CyberXchange Hackathon closes August 30th and accepted candidates will be notified on September 24th. The final competition will hold on November 2nd to 3rd at the Landmark Event Center, Lagos.

Accepted candidates will be required to brainstorm for ideas as well as form a team of up to 4 people. Refreshments, fun diversions, prizes, and expert guidance from Facebook’s team of experts will be provided. All participants must bring a laptop and ideas to the event.

Judges at the CyberXchange Hackathon will include Wallace-Jones; Eldee, a popular Nigerian rapper; amongst others.

“It is our hope that besides discovering gifted hackers and cyber-defenders, the CyberXchange 2016 Hackathon will inspire the development of West Africa’s Information security professionals of the future,” said Wallace-Jones.