Students imbibe STEM principles at innovation camp

Secondary school students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing, and Design (WiSTEM2D) have been empowered in the just concluded Innovation Camp in Nigeria.

The camp was organized by Junior Achievement Nigeria, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa and Johnson & Johnson.

According to the organizers, WiSTEM2D became imperative to ignite the interest of young African females to apply STEM principles in addressing social issues in the country.

The one-day camp event, which took place at BWC Hotel in Lagos impacted not fewer than 100 girls.

The innovation camp had series of interactive activities guided by detailed instruction that allowed the staff and community leaders to provide hands-on learning experiences to young girls aged 12 to 18, both locally and globally.

The event had a panel discussion with leading women from Johnson & Johnson, such as Peace Olumese, Nkechi Ukaiwe, Oyefunke Jaiyesimi, and Victoria Ezeala.

Commenting on the success of the programme, Foluso Gbadamosi, the Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, said: “The collaboration between Junior Achievement Africa and Johnson & Johnson for the implementation of the WiSTEM2D initiative through JA Nigeria is a remarkable achievement in empowering young girls in Nigeria with skills and confidence to excel in STEM-related roles, as it paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.

“The event is crucial because it has also helped in removing barriers and creating opportunities for all in addressing real-world challenges. These young girls represent the future’s STEM leaders, and their current success is a testament to their potential,” Gbadamosi added.

“Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is part of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAWW), the world’s largest and fastest-growing non-profit economic education organization with a 120-country network.”

She added: “Since its inception in 1999, JAN has reached over one million students in over 20,000 classrooms in all 36 states across the country and the FCT through over 5000 volunteers. As part of a global network, JAN can leverage resources and expertise to deliver localized, cutting-edge experiential programs built on JAWW’s three pillars of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to in- and out-of-school youths, ages 5 to 35, free of charge.”

Also speaking at the event, the Country Manager, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson &Johnson, Nkechi Ukaiwe, said, Nigerian women remain a global agent of change and a part of global WiSTEM2D that could shape the future.

“Also, we believe that Nigerian women are part of the global WiSTEM2D, which is why we brought this initiative to Nigeria. Every woman has the power to reach her full potential, and WISTEM2D is here to stay as the world advances towards Science, Technology, and Design.

“We know how passionate women are about whatever they do, and we hope to empower women to shape the future through WiSTEM2D”Ukaiwe, stated.

Johnson & Johnson believes good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 135 years, it has kept people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most diversified healthcare products company, they are committed to using their reach and size for good. They strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body, and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere.