STEM Africa empowers young innovators with skills

As part of its commitment to empowering the next generation of African innovators and problem-solvers, the STEM Africa Fest 2024 has equipped 4,500 African children with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.

According to the organisers, this year’s festival held in Lagos and Abuja, proved to be a milestone event, celebrating the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in transforming the lives of young Africans.

The Abuja edition had the keynote message from the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who engaged the students on thoughtful risks, experiential learning, persistence in problem-solving and critical thinking, with a theme centred on ‘Igniting Change Through CleanTech and STEAM’.

In Lagos, the keynote speaker and Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Femi Adegoke, engaged the audience on the importance of STEAM at an early age, among other speakers, who inspired young girls to pursue STEM careers.

Similarly, industry experts from sectors such as fintech, cleantech, mobility, health tech and agritech shared their insights, providing invaluable career guidance and highlighting the exciting possibilities within the STEAM fields.

One of the organisers and co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi, said the festival was thrilled to see the enthusiasm and curiosity in the eyes of the children, stating that STEM Africa Fest was more than just an event but a movement to equip African children with the skills needed to thrive in the future.

Also, co-founder of STEM METs and one of the organisers, Jadesola Adedeji, said the festival has grown significantly, extending its reach beyond Nigeria.

She said in the year, the festival would also take place in Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya, marking a major milestone in its mission to inspire and equip Africa’s youth and bring the wonders of STEAM to even more African children, thereby revolutionising Africa’s future.

The event culminated in the thrilling STEM quiz and pitch competitions, where participants vied for over N3 million in prizes, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and innovation. Ohiagu Chidiebere from Owerri emerged winner of the pitch competition and won a cash prize of N1 million.

The event is organised by STEM METs and 9ijakids, with Access Bank as the headliner sponsor.

Other key sponsors include Lotus Bank, Argentil Capital, Oando, Flour Mills, Gradely, Asset and Resource Management Company Limited (ARM) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The Guardian gathered that the combined efforts of the organisations ensured the festival’s success and broadened its impact.