Over the past decade, the Tolaram Science Challenge has taken thousands of secondary school students from Ibeju-Lekki’s host communities out of the classroom into competition, with one goal: to spark interest in science and demonstrate its practical value. In this interview with IYABO LAWAL, Director and Chief Sustainability Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Vishal Shah, addresses the skills gap undermining Nigeria’s industrialisation, the role of STEM in driving economic growth, and the responsibility of the private sector to build an education system that produces problem-solvers, not just graduates.

The Tolaram Science Challenge is now in its 10th year. Beyond the competition itself, what systemic problem in Nigeria’s education and development landscape is this initiative aiming to address?
The 10th edition of the Tolaram Science Challenge is a significant milestone. Over the past decade, the initiative has engaged students from schools across our host communities, helping to build greater interest in science and its practical applications.

The theme, ‘Creating science champions for Nigeria’s future,’ captures our ambition perfectly. Sustainability is not only about protecting the environment; it is also about creating lasting social and economic value. Education connects all three dimensions. When we talk about sustainable development, we are talking about meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. That future will be built by today’s students. They will become tomorrow’s engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, environmental specialists and technology leaders.

The challenge, is therefore, more than a competition. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future workforce, innovators and leaders. If we do not invest in their capacity now, we will have infrastructure with no one to operate it, industries with no one to innovate in them, and communities that cannot benefit from the growth happening around them.

Nigeria faces pressing issues around climate change, energy access, water, and food security. How directly can investment in science education influence our ability to solve those problems?
Science underpins progress. Many of the challenges facing the world today, including climate change, energy access, water scarcity, food security, public health and sustainable infrastructure, require scientific knowledge and innovation.

You cannot adapt to climate change without climate science. You cannot solve energy poverty without electrical and renewable energy engineering. You cannot ensure food security without agronomy, biotechnology and data science.

Science education develops critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. It teaches young people to ask why, to test assumptions, and to build evidence-based solutions. For Nigeria, investing in these capabilities means building a workforce that can support industrialisation, improve productivity, develop new technologies and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.

It also equips young people to become skilled professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. Science education is, therefore, not only about producing scientists. It is about developing the knowledge and mindset required to solve complex problems and improve society. A country that does not invest in that mindset will continue to import solutions instead of creating them.

Young people will live with the consequences of today’s policy and business decisions the longest. In practical terms, what capacity do they currently lack, and how can programmes like this help close that gap?
Young people are central to the sustainability agenda because they will experience the long-term consequences of the decisions being made today. The infrastructure we build now, the energy systems we choose now, the way we manage water and waste now, they will live with the results for 50 years.

They also bring something we desperately need- curiosity, adaptability and willingness to challenge established ways of doing things. Older systems get stuck. Young people ask, “why are we doing it this way?” That question is the beginning of innovation. These qualities make them powerful drivers of innovation and positive change.

Our responsibility as institutions, government, and businesses is to provide them with the knowledge, exposure and confidence to turn their ideas into practical solutions.

Through the Tolaram Science Challenge, students begin to see that science can contribute not only to their personal success but also to the sustainable development of their communities and Nigeria as a whole. When a student from Ibeju-Lekki designs a project on waste recycling or water purification, they are not just doing homework; they are engaging with real problems in their environment.

Lagos Free Zone is positioning itself as an industrial hub. What is the link between having world-class infrastructure and having a local workforce ready to operate it? Why invest in STEM now?
Lagos Free Zone is more than an industrial hub. We are building an ecosystem in which businesses, communities and people can grow together.

As the zone attracts businesses in manufacturing, logistics, engineering and technology, we recognise that infrastructure alone is not enough. You can have the best port, best roads, best power, but if you do not have skilled technicians, engineers, and operators, the system does not work.

Sustainable industrial growth also requires skilled people. That is the reality. Companies coming into the zone are asking: where will we find talent? Can we hire locally? Can we train locally? Supporting STEM education helps young people develop the capabilities that tomorrow’s industries will need.

The Tolaram Science Challenge also gives students exposure to industries within Lagos Free Zone. They tour facilities, meet engineers, see CNC machines, logistics systems, and manufacturing lines. Seeing science, engineering and technology applied in real operations makes classroom learning more meaningful and it allows students to imagine themselves pursuing rewarding STEM careers. Without that exposure, science remains abstract.

Sustainability is often framed around environment and carbon. Where does education fit in that framework, especially for communities hosting large industrial projects?
Environmental protection is an important pillar of sustainability. We have to manage emissions, water, biodiversity, and waste. But sustainability is also about people and prosperity.

Education is central to the social dimension because it expands opportunity, strengthens communities, and enables people to participate meaningfully in economic development instead of being left behind by it. Education also empowers people to make informed decisions.

An educated community is more likely to adopt better technologies, understand health information, manage resources responsibly, and develop solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. A knowledgeable society is better equipped to conserve resources, improve public health, build responsible businesses and create resilient communities.

If people do not understand why water must be conserved, or why waste must be segregated, or how energy efficiency works, then policies will fail. For these reasons, education is one of the most enduring sustainability investments any organisation can make. The returns take 10 to 15 years, but they last for generations.

Looking ahead, say in 10 to 15 years, which specific challenges do you expect today’s secondary school students to be tackling , and are Nigerian schools currently preparing them for it?
The next generation will help address challenges such as climate adaptation, clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, water and waste management, food security and the responsible use of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Climate adaptation will require local solutions for flooding, heat, and agriculture. Clean energy will require engineers who can deploy solar, and manage grids. Sustainable manufacturing will require people who understand circular economy principles, while water and waste management will require chemists and environmental engineers.

Many of these issues already affect businesses and communities in Ibeju-Lekki, however, today’s students are growing up during a period of extraordinary scientific and technological advancement. With the right education and exposure, they can develop solutions that may not yet exist. Our role is to nurture their curiosity, strengthen their confidence and give them opportunities to apply scientific thinking from an early age. If we wait until university, we have waited too long.

The competition exposes students to industry operations, how important is it for young people to see the connection between classroom science and real economic activity, and what is missing in that link today?
Innovation begins with curiosity and the confidence to ask questions. The Tolaram Science Challenge encourages students to apply what they have learned, approach unfamiliar problems critically and perform under pressure. That process helps develop the analytical thinking, confidence and resilience that innovation requires. It is not about memorising formulas; it is about: here is a problem, how do you break it down, test ideas, and find a solution?

The programme also connects education with industry by exposing students to the practical application of STEM within Lagos Free Zone.

They see that the equations they learn are used to design a conveyor belt, control a production line, and test water quality. It helps them understand that science is not confined to textbooks, it is central to modern industry and economic development. By making that connection visible, we are helping young people see themselves as future innovators and professionals who can contribute to Nigeria’s growth.

Businesses are increasingly being asked to contribute beyond taxes and jobs. What should the private sector’s responsibility be in education, and how do you measure whether initiatives like this deliver real value?
One important lesson is that sustainability extends beyond the immediate boundaries of a business.

Companies have a responsibility to contribute to the development of the communities in which they operate and to help prepare the next generation for future opportunities.

For too long, business saw education as government’s job. But if government alone could solve it, we would not have a skills gap. Businesses benefit directly from a skilled workforce, stable communities, and consumers with purchasing power, so, we have a direct interest. Educational initiatives should not be viewed simply as charitable activities, they are long-term investments in people, ideas and communities on which every successful business ultimately depends.

Partnerships involving businesses, schools, government and communities can create shared value: students gain exposure and opportunity; businesses benefit from a stronger pool of skilled people, and society benefits from more inclusive and sustainable economic development. That is the model we need.

For students in host communities who participated this year, what are the key mindsets or skills they will need to remain relevant as Nigeria’s economy industrialises and digitises?
I congratulate every student who has participated in this year’s challenge; Your participation demonstrates curiosity, confidence and a willingness to challenge yourself. That already sets you apart.

My advice is simple: never stop asking questions and never stop learning. Science is not merely about memorising facts; it is about understanding how things work, solving problems and improving lives.

Whatever path you choose — engineering, medicine, research, entrepreneurship, environmental management or technology — remember that knowledge is the most powerful tool you have. It can improve lives and create positive change.

Winning the competition is a wonderful achievement, but the greatest victory is developing a lifelong passion for learning. Stay curious. Stay persistent. Nigeria needs you.

Lagos Free Zone has spoken about building a sustainable industrial ecosystem. What are the non-negotiables for you over the next decade, in areas like energy, water, waste, and community development — and how does talent development fit in?
Our purpose is to create an enabling ecosystem for businesses where opportunity meets efficiency and communities thrive. Guided by this purpose, our ambition is to position Lagos Free Zone as one of Africa’s leading sustainable industrial ecosystems.

This means integrating responsible environmental management with economic growth, innovation, social development and strong governance.

But infrastructure is only half the equation. Equally important is our continued investment in people.

Programmes such as the Tolaram Science Challenge demonstrate that sustainability is also about creating opportunities for future generations. By developing young talent today, we are helping to build the skilled workforce that will drive Nigeria’s industries tomorrow.

We cannot claim to be sustainable if the community around us is not progressing. Our commitment, therefore, goes beyond business success. We remain committed to “Creating Science Champions for Nigeria’s Future” because investing in young people is one of the most enduring investments we can make.