STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators
STEM Africa Fest has returned to Lagos, bringing thousands of children and parents together for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). The annual event aims to help young Nigerians develop practical skills and prepare for future careers in technology and innovation.
The organisers said the initiative has reached more than 25,000 children across Africa over the past six years. They also called for greater use of practical STEM education in Nigeria’s school curriculum.
The sixth edition of the festival attracted about 3,500 children and parents from across Lagos and other locations. The event featured activities that allowed participants to explore science and technology through experiments, building projects and emerging technologies.
STEM Africa Fest Brings Classroom Lessons to Life
The festival started in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown and has since expanded beyond Nigeria to Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Zambia, Rwanda and Kenya.
Conveners Titi Adewusi and Jadesola Adedeji said they created the festival to close the gap between what children learn in classrooms and how they apply that knowledge in real life.
This year’s theme, “Building Future Innovators,” reflects the organisers’ goal of helping children become creative thinkers, problem-solvers and future technology leaders.
Adewusi said the festival gives children the chance to experience technologies instead of only learning about them in theory.
She explained that a child learning about 3D printing should have the opportunity to use a 3D printer. Similarly, children learning about robotics or artificial intelligence should have practical experiences that help them understand how the technologies work.
Organisers Call for More Practical STEM Education
Adedeji said the idea for the festival came from a shared desire to make science education more interesting and engaging for children.
The first edition, which took place during the pandemic, attracted more than 1,000 participants globally. The first physical edition later welcomed more than 6,000 attendees.
The organisers said funding, stakeholder mobilisation and expanding the programme to new locations remain some of their biggest challenges.
However, growing interest from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries has encouraged them to adopt a partnership model. Through this approach, partners can replicate the festival in new locations using an established programme framework.
The organisers urged governments at all levels to strengthen STEM education by introducing more practical learning into school curricula. They also encouraged greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to give more children access to science and technology education.
Adewusi said the organisation has developed a STEM curriculum that some schools already use. She added that the organisers are ready to work with the government to expand the programme in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on quality education.
Adedeji also called for government support in areas beyond funding, including curriculum development, teacher training and stronger institutional support for STEM programmes.
Private Sector Supports Future Innovators
Representing Access Holdings, Programme Manager for Sustainability Ikechukwu Iheagwam said the company’s continued support for the festival reflects its commitment to education and technology.
He said giving children early exposure to technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics can help prepare them for future careers.
Iheagwam also noted that private sector organisations have an important role to play in supporting government efforts to improve STEM education.
Students Discover New Interests in Science and Technology
For many children, the festival offered an opportunity to learn through direct participation.
Jason Lawal, a student of Court Hill College, Opebi, took part in activities including a Rubik’s Cube challenge and an artificial intelligence masterclass. During the session, participants created short animations using AI tools.
Another participant, Fatima Namama of Greater Ecstasy High School, Iyana-Ipaja, said attending the festival over the years has increased her interest in laboratory science and technology.
She called for schools to include more STEM subjects and practical activities in their learning programmes. She also encouraged organisers and schools to create more opportunities for pupils to participate in hands-on science and technology events.
The organisers said the impact of STEM Africa Fest goes beyond the number of children who attend each year. They noted that some former participants have returned as exhibitors in areas such as coding and robotics.
According to the organisers, this development shows how early exposure to practical learning can help children develop lasting interests in science, technology and innovation—and potentially become the innovators Africa needs in the future.
