NNPC Foundation Begins Distribution of 25,000 STEM Books to Schools Nationwide

The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday officially launched the distribution of 25,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) books to schools across Nigeria.

The programme which commenced at the Gifted School, Gwagwalada, in Abuja, the NNPC Foundation said, aims to enhance education and foster technological development by equipping students with the necessary tools for a future in the sciences.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, emphasised the importance of STEM education to the nation’s growth and development, acknowledging the support of various stakeholders.

Arukwe highlighted the Foundation’s focus on educational initiatives, which also include efforts in health, environment, access to energy, and empowerment, noting that the STEM books initiative was part of the second phase.

According to her, the NNPC Foundation had earlier completed the successful distribution of 15,000 books to 15,000 schools the previous year.

“A total of 40,000 STEM textbooks, from both the first and now second phases of this initiative are to be distributed to public secondary schools in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with the identified schools receiving 1,000 copies each of the textbooks and a designated library bookshelf for storage and accessibility.

“Education is key to the future of our country, and STEM is central to the development of technology. We believe that this initiative will inspire young people across Nigeria to pursue courses that will help drive the technological advancement of our nation,” Arukwe said.

The books, mainly for junior and senior secondary school students, cover a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, physics, and biology. The NNPC Foundation said it hopes the initiative will spark a renewed interest in STEM fields and prepare students for tertiary education and beyond.

The event, the organisers said, also marked the importance of education as a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for quality education for all.

Continuing, Arukwe emphasised that quality education remains crucial for reducing inequality as listed in SDG Goal 10, and in supporting Nigeria’s long-term growth.

“The unveiling today at the School of the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja is symbolic, because we will be replicating the same in 24 States of the country, across the six geopolitical zones, within the month of April 2025.

“A significant portion of the distribution is focused on special institutions such as the School for the Gifted, where students are already excelling in science subjects. The textbooks should be put to immediate use, benefiting the school’s 596 science students. These students are truly gifted, and this donation is meant to unlock their full potential,” she added. 

Also speaking, the Principal of the school, Mr Bello Adamu, who expressed his gratitude, pledged to make full and good use of the resources provided.

“Your generous donation of books to our school library is a testament to your commitment to education and your support for our students’ growth and development. Your partnership with us is a shining example of the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations and communities come together to make a difference.

“As the School for the Gifted as the name implies, we are not asking for too much, but our gratitude should supersede any further request from your Foundation. The school lacks ICT gadgets such as desktop computers, laptops and internet facilities. We look forward to receiving such gestures from your good office,” he stressed.