The ExxonMobil Foundation, in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JA Nigeria), has flagged off the third phase of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Africa initiative in Abuja, incorporating advanced digital training to boost the capacity of Nigerian students.

The organisers said the initiative is aimed at preparing African youths for the 21st-century global economy, which is increasingly driven by critical thinking, technology and innovation.

Manager, Socioeconomics and Community, ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria, Nigel Cookey-Gam, said the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in this year’s framework is crucial to nurturing critical thinking and self-reliance among secondary school students.

He pointed out that “in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, proficiency in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as AI and innovation skills, is not just a pathway to personal success, but also a catalyst for sustainable development and economic growth.”

Cookey-Gam noted that the initiative, which has exposed more than 4,000 Nigerian students to technical skills over the past two years, aims to push the boundaries of creative problem-solving.

Acting Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akagun, stated that the programme, which also runs concurrently in Mozambique, Namibia and Angola, remains focused on bridging educational gaps in underserved government schools.

According to him, since its inception, the ExxonMobil Foundation’s STEM Africa project has directly impacted more than 4,000 students from government secondary schools across Abuja.

“Through engaging learning experiences, STEM quizzes, innovation camps, design-thinking workshops, mentorship and international exposure opportunities, we have witnessed young people unlock their creativity, confidence and problem-solving abilities,” he said.

Akagun maintained that developing local proficiency in emerging technologies is a regional development imperative that would ensure long-term economic inclusion.

“The core objective of this project remains clear — to stimulate and strengthen the interest, skills and confidence of young people between the ages of 14 and 18 in STEM education, AI literacy, innovation and future careers,” he added.

The quiz competition featured five government secondary schools in Zone D, including Government Secondary School Gwagwalada, Government Secondary School Gwako, Government Secondary School Hajj Camp, School for the Gifted and Government Secondary School Dobi.

Government Secondary School Gwako emerged as the winner, followed by School for the Gifted, while Government Secondary School Hajj Camp came third.