…..Awards prizes to schools in Abuja

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has raised concerns over a widening gap in access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, warning that about 18.4 million Nigerian children remain excluded from critical learning opportunities needed to drive sustainable development.

The concern was raised by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, during the “Battle of the Energy Titans” awards ceremony organised in partnership with Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED) in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Young Innovators Solving Energy Poverty,” Arukwe said the scale of the education gap poses a significant risk to Nigeria’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in energy access, innovation and economic growth.
Arukwe stressed that with more than 80 million Nigerians aged between 10 and 24, the country holds immense potential to build a new generation of innovators capable of addressing energy poverty and driving the ongoing global energy transition.

“The reality is that over 18.4 million children in Nigeria still lack access to STEAM education. That is a gap we cannot ignore,” she said, adding that the NNPC Foundation was investing in youth-focused initiatives to bridge the divide and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.

According to her, focusing on education, health, environment and access to energy, remain sacrosanct while aligning with global development targets.

Arukwe noted that over 500 youths had already been trained under its empowerment programmes, equipping them with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

She also said initiatives such as the STEM Book Project, NYSC empowerment schemes and climate-smart agriculture training were part of efforts to build capacity and promote sustainability.
Arukwe said the “Battle of the Energy Titans” competition had demonstrated the creativity and problem-solving abilities of Nigerian students, with participants presenting solutions ranging from solar-powered devices and clean cooking innovations to mini-grid systems and waste-to-energy projects.

“The competition is raising a new generation of energy entrepreneurs who are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to lead Africa’s energy future,” she said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon Dayo, who was represented by his technical assistant, Bolanle Wellington said the Federal Government remained committed to youth empowerment as a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that energy poverty continues to hinder education, productivity and economic growth, but expressed optimism that young Nigerians are increasingly stepping forward with practical solutions.

“The future of Nigeria will not be built by resources alone, it will be built by the minds we prepare today,” he said, commending both the NNPC Foundation and the OLOGED Initiative for promoting innovation and energy literacy among students.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Energy on Wheels Project, designed to take energy education and practical demonstrations to schools and underserved communities.
At the competition, Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, came third, while Nigeria-Korea Model School, Piwoyi, emerged second. Premier Academy, Lugbe, won the top prize. The schools were awarded N1 million and other cash prizes.