Science and technology ignite paths to solve social challenges, but curiosity among young students in underserved Nigerian communities often struggles to bloom into innovation. On November 27, 2023, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, launched the Igniting Minds through Science (IMS) programme. Three years into the programme, it has been scaled across three states with targeted coverage of 13,836 students from all 334 senior secondary schools in Lagos State, 51 schools across seven LGAs in Akwa Ibom State, and 49 schools across two LGAs in Delta State.

Supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), IMS aids students in designing solutions to community challenges. The 2025 IMS edition commenced with orientation sessions for principals and teachers to guide students in proposing, developing, and presenting projects on the theme “Future Frontiers: STEM Innovations for Nation Building.” Proposals were reviewed by experts, including designated government officials.

In Akwa Ibom, VCDF orientated science teachers and principals from 47 schools, reached 2,900 students and funded 37 projects for the qualifier round. 10 schools competed during the finale on November 22, 2025. The first, second and third prizes were awarded to Afang Inang Secondary School, Excellence College and Eket Modern High School, respectively.

A student, Ekemini-Abasi Idorenyin, said, “What I learnt is that younger children can invent things. Previously, I thought we needed to graduate and grow up.”

In Delta, VCDF orientated science teachers and principals from 34 schools, reached 300 students and supported 11 schools to compete on November 28, 2025. The first, second and third prizes were awarded to Utagba-Ogbe Technical College, Abbi Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School and Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, respectively. Hope Gumbor, representing the Commissioner for Education, expressed, ‘Since becoming a director in 2022, I have not seen anything like this in the state. It aligns with the Delta State government’s MORE agenda.

Teachers observed that students pushed past their comfort zones, as the programme was not only a science competition but also a learning ground for skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

In Lagos, VCDF invited science teachers and principals from 334 schools, of which 244 schools were orientated and reached 4622 science students. 86 out of 122 proposals were funded and 83 schools exhibited at the qualifiers. 12 finalists competed on December 6, 2025, at the Lagos Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.

Government Technical College, Agidingbi (AquaRenew project), Kosofe Senior College, Ketu (Smart Energy Control project) and Gaskiya Senior College (Motorised Wheelchair) won first, second and third place respectively.

Grace Akinfoyewa, Director of Lagos State Science and Technology, said, ‘The exhibition strongly supports the state’s STEM goals and encourages students to collaborate effectively.’

SEEPCO remains committed to continuously supporting education and other impactful endeavours in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Through SEEPCO’s sustained partnership, VCDF will further strengthen STEM education across Nigeria, creating clear and inspiring pathways for young innovators and contributing to sustainable national development.