The ExxonMobil Foundation, in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills.
The partners made the commitment during the STEM Africa Initiative Innovation Boot Camp in Abuja, where educators and corporate leaders highlighted the programme’s impact.
The programme brought together secondary school students from across the country to equip them with the technical knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking during the event, the acting Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Mr. Olaolu Akogun, said 120 students from 10 secondary schools participated after emerging winners of quiz competitions held across their respective Area Councils.
“The students have been introduced to the concept of design thinking through practical exercises, including reimagining everyday products such as a refrigerator.
“Through these engagements, the students have been inspired by the personal and career stories of the ExxonMobil professionals, giving them a better understanding of how to navigate their own career aspirations as they transition from school into the world of work.
“Our partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation is one of the key ways we reach and empower young people. We are particularly pleased that this is the third consecutive year of the partnership, and we look forward to continuing it in the years ahead while expanding its impact,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of JA Nigeria, Mrs Simi Nwogugu, said the initiative was designed to inspire young people and equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the global economy.
According to her, the programme exposed students to practical design-thinking exercises, including activities that challenged them to rethink and redesign everyday products such as refrigerators.
She added that participants also interacted with professionals from different fields within the ExxonMobil team, who shared their career experiences and offered mentorship.
“The students have been exposed to the concept of design thinking and have also interacted with experts from different professional backgrounds,” she said.
Also speaking, the STEM Coordinator and Physics teacher at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Mr Shodeinde Babafemi Samuel, said the school’s participation in the initiative had significantly improved students’ academic performance and confidence.
He described the boot camp as a lifetime opportunity that exposes students to practical STEM learning beyond the classroom.
Shodeinde attributed the programme’s impact to the outstanding performances recorded by former participants, revealing that some students scored as high as 368 and 339 in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examinations.
He said the achievements were a direct result of the intensive coaching and practical training provided through the partnership between Junior Achievement Nigeria and the ExxonMobil Foundation, adding that the initiative continues to inspire excellence among young learners.
The Socio-economic Manager, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Nigel Cookey-Gam, said students actively engaged during career talks, asking insightful questions that reflected a deeper understanding of STEM-related careers.
Cookey-Gam recalled the experience of a previous winner whose participation at the regional finals in South Africa transformed her academic outlook.
He said the programme was designed to nurture innovation and equip students with the mindset to solve real-life challenges.
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