A new initiative by the EdTech, Stem-A-School, has equipped over 2,000 university students across Osun state with practical tech skills, a bold step toward democratising access to science and technology education in Nigeria.
This is even as EdTech has commence a STEM conference tour in five Nigerian universities: Obafemi Awolowo University, Oduduwa University, Osun State University, Bowen University, and Redeemer’s University. Students engaged with experts in robotics, aerospace, and artificial intelligence, gaining exposure to the tools and trends shaping the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Founder of Stem-A-School, Victoria Oladosu, while speaking to newsmen in Lagos, said the goal has always been to expand to more schools. “Taking STEM to more universities is crucial if we are going to help create more innovators, and so that we won’t be left behind in today’s global AI race. STEM is the difference between where we are and where we want to be,” Oladosu explained.
According to the World Bank, STEM skills are crucial for countries navigating the challenges of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Yet across Africa, fewer than 25 percent of higher education students are enrolled in STEM fields.
Oladosu believes, part of the gap lies in early exposure and engagement, a stance echoed by the World Bank, which noted that enhancing awareness and access is critical to closing the STEM gap.
Since launching, Stem-A-School said, it has reached more than 3,000 students through workshops, conferences, and training programmes. The Osun tour featured contributions from policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, including Ayofe Olatunji (commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Osun State), Lateef Alani (coordinator, Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council Secretariat), Olanrewaju Adesina (Dean of Engineering, Redeemers University), and Janet Jooda (Computer Engineering lecturer, Redeemers University).
Despite Stem-A-School’s growing momentum, Oladosu emphasises that awareness alone isn’t enough. “We cannot stop at awareness. To make a real impact, we need to give students consistent access to STEM learning tools, she said.
In line with this, Stem-A-School is preparing to launch its first STEM lab, starting with a university pilot. The lab will provide hands-on learning in fields like robotics and programming, moving the initiative beyond one-off events.
Permanent secretary at the state’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Olufunke Jolayemi, noted that, the state is partnering with schools, equipping tech hubs, and hosting hackathons as part of its broader strategy.
