The ExxonMobil Foundation, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JA Nigeria), has officially launched the third phase of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Africa initiative in Abuja. This new phase integrates advanced digital training, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian students.
Preparing Youth for the Global Economy
The organizers emphasized that the initiative aims to equip African youth for the 21st-century global economy, which increasingly relies on critical thinking, technology, and innovation. Nigel Cookey-Gam, Manager of Socioeconomics and Community for ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria, stated that incorporating AI into this year's framework is essential for fostering critical thinking and self-reliance among secondary school students.
He noted, "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."
Expanding Impact
Over the past two years, the initiative has exposed more than 4,000 Nigerian students to technical skills. Cookey-Gam highlighted that the program aims to push the boundaries of creative problem-solving. Acting Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akagun, explained that the program also runs concurrently in Mozambique, Namibia, and Angola, with a focus on bridging educational gaps in underserved government schools.
Since its inception, the ExxonMobil Foundation’s STEM Africa project has directly impacted over 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," Akagun said.
Regional Development Imperative
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.
Quiz Competition Highlights
The launch featured a quiz competition involving five government secondary schools in Zone D: 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 secured third place.
