The Special Adviser on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Corporate Sector Engagement to the Minister of Education, Dr Adetola Salau, has called on Nigerian youth to adopt a resilience and problem-solving mindset in their bid to strengthen STEM education in the country.

Salau made the call at the graduation ceremony of the Maple Education Foundation’s (MEF) Summer of Discovery programme in Lagos.

The Maple Education Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that delivers hands-on science education to students in under-resourced secondary schools.

The schools targeted by the foundation lack libraries, science laboratories, walled classrooms, and access to qualified STEM teachers.

At the ceremony, 43 students from four secondary schools completed the foundation’s 10-day STEM programme and were awarded certificates.

During the programme, the students studied senior-level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. They conducted science experiments, built working electrical circuits by hand, and went on a field trip to industrial and manufacturing facilities.

They also met practising engineers, doctors, and tech professionals, and attended an artificial intelligence and career exhibition.

Delivering a keynote address titled: “Empowering the next generation of Nigerian innovators through STEM Education,’ Salau highlighted the importance of mindset, drawing parallels with movie characters who overcame repeated setbacks before achieving success. She also shared personal experiences to inspire the participants.

According to her, programmes like the Summer of Discovery encourage young people to think like scientists, innovators, and researchers, skills that she said are critical to solving Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

She further underscored the need to expand opportunities for girls in STEM.

She announced upcoming initiatives in September and October that will spotlight female role models and mentors.

With Nigeria experiencing a surge in youth population, Salau stressed the need to equip young people with practical skills that will make them globally competitive.

The Executive Director of Maple Education Foundation, Tukeni Obasi, said the foundation is breaking barriers in science education by meeting Nigerian students at a critical stage in their academic journey.

Obasi explained that the programme targets Junior secondary 3 students who are at the point of deciding whether to pursue science, arts, or commercial studies.

Preconceived notions about STEM are that it’s hard, it’s difficult, and no one can do it. Our whole goal was to show that anyone can learn anything if teaching is done right and resources are available.

She said the curriculum aligns with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) standards, but goes further by applying Bloom’s hierarchy of learning.

She added that the students and teachers who participated are expected to carry the lessons back to their schools, thereby expanding the programme’s reach beyond the initial cohort.

Maple Education Foundation is also championing the creation of a Discovery Centre, a shared science hub for schools across Lagos.

According to Obasi, the centre will feature laboratories, vocational training for adults, and daily demonstrations of science in action.

She emphasised the urgency of building STEM capacity, noting that Nigeria needs more skilled scientists, engineers, and tech professionals.

The President and Chairman of Maple Education Foundation, Ebi Obaro, explained that after 20 years of successfully recruiting Nigerian students to study in Canada and providing immigration services, the organisation decided it was time to give back.

“We all went to school in Nigeria, but we also had the opportunity to study in Canada. After sending thousands of students abroad, we decided to help those who don’t have access to world-class education here at home,” he said.