Conveners of STEM Africa Fest, Jadesola Adedeji and Titi Adewusi, have renewed calls for a shift in Nigeria’s education system, urging greater emphasis on skills-based learning that equips children with critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

They made the call while addressing journalists in Lagos ahead of the sixth edition of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, (STEAM)-focused event for children, scheduled for July 18.

Adedeji said the future of education depends on how well schools prepare children to apply knowledge in real-life situations, rather than simply recall information for examinations.

“Education must move beyond memorisation. Children should be able to apply what they learn to solve real problems in their communities,” she said.

Adedeji explained that STEM Africa Fest was created as a hands-on learning platform where children are exposed to practical experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

She said the approach helps children develop a deeper understanding of concepts through application rather than theory alone.

She noted that the initiative promotes project-based learning, where children are guided to identify challenges in their environment and develop innovative solutions using structured thinking and design approaches.

According to her, past editions of the festival have demonstrated the impact of this model, as students from participating schools have gone on to establish STEM clubs and science-based learning groups within their schools.

Adedeji added that several projects emerging from the initiative have been scaled into broader community programmes.

These include partnerships that train pupils and teachers in design thinking, engineering principles and problem-solving skills.

Also speaking at the event, Adewusi said the festival is designed to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application by exposing children to interactive learning experiences in robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, science experiments and other emerging technologies.

“We want children to move from just hearing about technology to actually experiencing it, building with it, and understanding how it works in real life,” she said.

Adewusi explained that the festival creates a learning ecosystem that goes beyond a one-day event.

She said participating schools benefit from continuous engagement through STEM clubs, teacher training programmes, curriculum support and follow-up learning materials.

She further emphasised that teachers play a critical role in sustaining impact, adding that capacity-building programmes are included to ensure educators are equipped with modern teaching methods that encourage critical thinking and creativity in the classroom.

According to Adewusi, inclusion remains a core principle of the initiative. She said efforts are made to ensure that children from public schools and low-income communities can participate through sponsorships and support systems that cover access, transportation and feeding where necessary.

Adewusi also highlighted the importance of exposure, stating that children benefit from interacting with industry professionals who serve as role models and introduce them to possible career paths in science and technology.

The organisers described STEM Africa Fest as more than an event, but a growing movement aimed at reshaping education across Africa by promoting experiential learning and strengthening the connection between education and innovation.

They added that this year’s edition will continue to expand its learning labs, exhibitions and interactive sessions designed for children aged between seven and 15, with a focus on building future-ready skills that will prepare them for a rapidly changing world.