This pilot program is designed to remove financial and structural barriers that prevent promising students from reaching their full potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across Nigeria.

In recognition of the fact that nations need to strategically invest in preparing their youth to take advantage of the global digital economy,, the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation had donated a CAD/CAM laboratory worth over 100m naira to the Obafemi Awolowo University last year while supporting other initiatives that include Management Students Association of the University of Lagos Entrepreneurship Challenge, Nigenius Inter-School Robotics Competition, and NextGen Connect Interschool Oratory Competition valued at 50m naira.

The Future Builders Fund addresses a challenge facing Nigerian universities: while STEM programs have expanded and enrollment in fields like computer science and engineering has increased, many students face financial constraints that force them to abandon their studies. This scholarship program targets under-resourced students who possess the drive, intelligence, and builder’s mindset necessary to become Nigeria’s future innovators.

The vision behind the Future Builders Fund is premised in the belief that education is a powerful equalizer capable of turning raw potential into real solutions.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, and socioeconomic barriers should not be a roadblock to mastery and brilliance,” said Tosin Eniolorunda, founder of the Foundation. “We are launching the Future Builders Fund to find and nurture the innovators who will shape Nigeria’s future. This is a way of creating financial happiness leveraging the power of education to help students from low-income and under-resourced backgrounds gain mastery, giving them a fighting chance at being innovative change makers, who will develop life-changing solutions.”

The Future Builders Fund will sponsor 14 outstanding students, two per university, across seven federal universities, providing tuition support, hostel accommodation, a laptop, and a monthly stipend.

In addition, scholars will benefit from ongoing mentorship and development programs designed to cultivate a solutions-oriented mindset throughout their academic journey.

For the pioneer cohort, the participating federal universities were selected across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Lagos. They are: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife;  University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Calabar; University of Abuja; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Maiduguri and University of Lagos.

The scholarship is open to STEM students entering 200 level (i.e., those who have completed 100 level) in the listed universities. Interested applicants are required to submit: Basic bio-data, Academic record (100 level transcript or statement of result) and a personal essay or statement of need

Applicants will be screened based on academic merit, clarity of purpose, and demonstrated need. From each university, the top 10 shortlisted candidates will sit for a standardized test assessing academic ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The best two candidates per university will be awarded the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation Scholarship.

The Future Builders Fund is demonstrating a commitment to nurturing talent that can drive national development. Scholarship recipients will be assessed annually and renewal will be based on satisfactory academic performance and demonstrated growth in technical or leadership skills outside the classroom. This ensures the program supports students who are actively applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

This pilot edition of the initiative will lay the groundwork for a sustainable five-year, scalable scholarship program that exudes an innovative approach – financial support with mentorship, leadership development, and practical STEM skill application in a manner that can accelerate Nigeria’s cultivation of world-class STEM innovators.

Applications which open immediately; see link link, will close on 16th of October, 2025.

Through this initiative, Interswitch will donate network and computing devices, including routers and switches, to tertiary institutions across the country.

These donations will provide students with hands-on experience, while Cisco equips them with the training needed to earn industry-recognized certifications.

The curriculum, delivered through the Cisco Networking Academy, covers key areas such as cybersecurity, networking, and programming course, empowering students to pursue careers in information and communication technology.

The beneficiary institutions in this edition of the initiative include Federal University, Owerri (FUTO); University of Benin (UNIBEN); Covenant University, Ota; Yaba College of Technology, Lagos (YABATECH) and the University of Lagos.

Commenting on the donations, Babafemi Ogungbamila, executive vice president, Group Operations and Technology at Interswitch, said that the technology company is committed to improving learning, especially in STEM fields.

“As a technology company, Interswitch understands the vital role that STEM-focused education plays in the advancement of a country. We also understand that this field of study requires the availability of IT equipment. This informed our decision to donate the devices to academies with the belief that more students will be equipped as they improve their skills in STEM-related fields.”

He added:

“This milestone underscores the strength and consistency of our collaboration with Cisco in driving digital skills development. For the second time, we are coming together with a shared vision—to equip the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in the STEM field.”

Abdel Saidu, Solutions Engineering Lead at Cisco Nigeria, said:

“Through the breadth of Cisco Networking Academy courses, learning pathways, and network of employers along with our ecosystem of partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and non-profits, we empower the workforce with digital skills to develop sustainable and secure businesses, and more equitable societies. Since the inception of the academy in Nigeria, we have trained over 745,000 learners through 228 institutes with 44 percent of female participation”.

Interswitch’s donation aligns with its long-standing efforts to encourage more African students to take up STEM courses in school.

The company has actively encouraged the uptake of STEM courses by students through its various initiatives such as the Interswitch SPAK National Science Competition which is held annually in Nigeria and East Africa.

The first edition of the initiative saw Interswitch donate IT equipment to ten Nigerian institutions including

1. Igbinedion University, Benin City,
2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
3. University of Maiduguri, and
4. the University of Nigeria, Nsukka among others.

Founded by the visionary entrepreneur John Onuigbo, Foris Labs is on a mission to bridge the gap in science education by bringing state-of-the-art virtual laboratories right to students’ fingertips. And where better to kickstart this exciting journey than the dynamic city of Onitsha?

John is a dedicated and outcome-driven social entrepreneur and educator, committed to leveling the playing field for underserved communities in accessing top-notch education and skill development.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, he has not only achieved academic excellence but has also shone brightly in various extracurricular activities. His remarkable achievements have earned him numerous accolades and distinctions, both nationally and internationally.

Nestled along the banks of the majestic River Niger, Onitsha pulsates with energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit – the perfect breeding ground for John’s innovation. With its bustling markets, vibrant streets, and diverse community, Onitsha serves as the ideal backdrop for Foris Labs to thrive and flourish.

But the impact of Foris Labs extends far beyond the streets of Onitsha. With its innovative approach to STEM education, this homegrown startup is making waves on a global scale, attracting attention and accolades from educators, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts worldwide.

Revolutionizing STEM

Inspired by the city’s rich history and dynamic culture, Foris Labs is harnessing the power of technology to empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

At the core of Foris Labs’ innovative solution is a gamified 3D virtual science laboratory that revolutionizes the way students engage with scientific experiments. This virtual platform empowers students to transform any space into a fully equipped science laboratory, providing a realistic simulation of hands-on experiments across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and biology.

Through their smartphones, students can now access a comprehensive suite of laboratory experiments, complete with interactive simulations and engaging learning modules.

By leveraging immersive technology, Foris Labs ensures that students have access to high-quality STEM education regardless of their geographical location or access to physical laboratory facilities.

The impact of Foris Labs extends beyond individual students, benefiting educational institutions and communities at large. With its virtual laboratory solution, Foris Labs enables schools to overcome resource constraints and deliver enhanced STEM education to a wider student demographic.

Moreover, by democratizing access to laboratory experiences, the startup contributes to the cultivation of a new generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers. Through its gamified 3D virtual science laboratory, students in Onitsha and beyond can embark on immersive learning experiences, conduct hands-on experiments, and explore the wonders of science in a whole new way.

Proven Greatness

Foris Labs has emerged as a standout player in Nigeria’s thriving edtech landscape, earning its place among the top three edtech startups in the country, as recognized by the esteemed Global Edtech Startup Awards in 2021.

Boasting a series of impressive achievements, the startup has garnered multiple grants and forged strategic partnerships with renowned organizations, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry.

Among its notable accomplishments, Foris Labs was handpicked as one of the seven Nigerian startups to participate in the prestigious 2023 Techcrunch Startup Battlefield 200.

This coveted opportunity showcased the startup’s innovative prowess on a global stage, with the backing of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, who generously sponsored Foris Labs to compete in the event held in Silicon Valley, California, USA.

Further cementing its status as a frontrunner in the tech scene, Foris Labs clinched the first runner-up position in the second edition of the Zenith Tech Fair. This accolade not only brought home a substantial prize of N15 million but also secured a valuable mentorship program with Seedstars, underscoring the startup’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the edtech sphere.

This initiative, a collaborative effort between Teacher Aid Initiative (TAI) and TY Danjuma Foundation, is centred on arming teachers with advanced tools and methodologies, amplifying the impact of teaching in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.

The training was inaugurated with a two-day immersive session, attended by the participating teachers and luminaries from the educational sector.

Among the attendees were representatives from the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Science Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and other esteemed educational institutions.

Aligning with the TY Danjuma Foundation’s mission, this initiative is poised to transform the educational landscape.

By immersing teachers in hands-on experiences and equipping them with innovative STEM teaching tools, both TAI and TY Danjuma Foundation are setting the stage for a richer, more engaging learning experience for students in Enugu State.

“We are thrilled about our collaboration with the Teacher Aid Initiative,”

said Rachael Samndi, Project Officer at TY Danjuma Foundation.

“Together, we are committed to empowering teachers in Enugu State with the necessary skills and knowledge required for effective STEM instruction. We firmly believe that investing in teacher training is instrumental in enhancing educational outcomes.”

Adeola Ojeleye, Founder of Teacher Aid Nigeria, remarked,

“At TAI, our vision goes beyond just training. We aim to ignite a passion for STEM in our students, shaping them into future leaders and innovators. This initiative will not only enhance the development of children already inclined towards STEM but will also inspire countless others to envision a future in STEM-related careers.”

Recent statistics highlight a growing gap in STEM education across Africa, underscoring the pressing need to invest in initiatives that inspire and prepare the next generation for STEM careers.

This collaboration between TAI and TY Danjuma Foundation is a testament to their commitment to bridging this gap, fostering an environment where students are not only learners but also future leaders in STEM.

 Facts about Teacher Aid Initiative (TAI):

Teacher Aid Initiative (TAI) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving access to quality education worldwide.

TAI works closely with teachers, schools, and communities to develop innovative solutions that empower educators and students. Through various programs and initiatives, TAI strives to create sustainable change in education by investing in teacher training, curriculum development, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement.

Facts about TY Danjuma Foundation:

The TY Danjuma Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that supports initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and education.

The Foundation works closely with various groups, including NGOs, CBOs, faith-based organizations, youth organizations, and women’s groups.

The Foundation focuses on several key areas, including maternal and child health, preventable blindness, access to healthcare for underserved communities, neglected tropical diseases, and primary school education.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Foundation has awarded $41.5 million.

In these necessary conversations, Führ said, it is vital that leadership teams do not lose sight of their organisation’s overall transformation objectives.

Ultimately, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies are tools that should be considered as one part of the transformation journey and not all technological advances are necessarily useful for all businesses.

In her words: “Amidst the pace of technological change, it’s up to CFOs and other members of management to navigate how organisations should deploy funding for digital transformation to achieve the best possible return on investment.

“For mid-sized corporates especially, the challenge of balancing business requirements and aligning long-term organisational goals is compounded by the need to use resources as prudently as possible.

“Making sure that finance fits in with the rest of the digital transformation journey, has access to funding, the right skill set to assist with the change, all while ensuring the finance team is able to join on the journey is very important – and easier said than done.

“The aim shouldn’t be to transform simply for the sake of it, but to transform with specific, goal-orientated objectives in mind such as faster, more accurate and value adding reporting”.

Führ also hinted In a medium size corporate, there just isn’t room to implement the wrong tools because of the potential resource impact.

Continuing, Führ said “Change management will be important to ensure the effective adoption of technological changes. This is a great opportunity to partner with HR to ensure adoption within the team.

“Of course, many of the newest technologies that look set to make an even bigger impact on business and ways of working are still at an early stage but will evolve rapidly. Rather than seeing this scenario as a threat to job security, it should be viewed as an opportunity for leadership, strategic thinking, risk management thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, both in finance and the rest of the organisation, to really thrive.

“Adaptability and agility are key competencies as technology becomes entrenched in every aspect of business and organisations look for ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors. STEM education is the cornerstone of what will be required to navigate through Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

She highlighted: “Investing in tech education is something that I am particularly passionate about”.

Many CFOs are in the position to decide or influence the decision on where to spend socio-economic development funding.

“With Fourth Industrial Revolution gaining momentum, funding for education in these key areas should form part of all organisations’ socio-economic development investment agenda, and better still, a practical and long-term strategy to truly enabling digital transformation and 4IR”, Führ concluded.

Alumni of the 2021 U.S. government sponsored TechWomen program on Monday concluded a STEM mentoring program called, “EduChamps” for 30 adolescent girls from African Church Grammar School, Ibadan.

Supported by the U.S. government, the program provided mentorship and skills training for girls to explore careers and business opportunities in STEM.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the program, U.S. Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Foltz said it was imperative for young girls to have access to mentors from a range of fields who can help them gain skills and boost their confidence to consider higher education and careers in STEM.

She noted that “EduChamps” is one of the U.S. government’s initiatives to engage underserved communities, ensure gender parity, and provide women and girls with opportunities to contribute to creating sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity.

“STEM education is the key foundation for any country’s economic success,” Foltz said. “We are excited to support this initiative that serves as an inspiration for young girls to consider STEM subjects in their future careers in order to solve global challenges.”

Damilola Asaleye, a TechWomen Fellow, said drawing more girls into tech will help close the gender gap in the STEM fields. “With EduChamps, we are taking action to improve inclusiveness and narrow the gender gap in the STEM field,” she added.

Through the “EduChamps” initiative, the TechWomen fellows provided career counseling to the high school girls focusing on opportunities in the technology sector such as upcycling, automotive engineering, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and space science.

The students also received educational supplies such as school bags, school uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, writing materials and sanitary pads to encourage them to stay in school.

More broadly, the United States has invested millions of dollars to directly advance gender equality across sub-Saharan Africa, through activities that promote opportunities for women, access to health and education services, and efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

In 2011, the U.S. government introduced the TechWomen program to empower the next generation of women leaders in the technology field.

This exchange program brings together women in Northern California with their counterparts in the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, for a professional mentorship at leading technology companies in the United States.