This is part of continued efforts to foster youth development through the strengthening of science and technology education across the country.

In line with this commitment, MTNF through the Science & Technology Laboratory Project recently showed support to students and teachers of St. Aquinas College, Akure, by renovating the school’s science laboratory. The initiative, currently in its second phase, is designed to lay a solid foundation in science education, through the promotion of teaching and learning outcomes of key science subjects.

The school received a full renovation of their chemistry, physics and biology science laboratories including; installation of laboratory furniture, supply of laboratory equipment & consumables, installation of solar-powered borehole and installation of alternative power solution, to enable students access both power solution and practical  science basics.

To further aid the science and technology development, MTNF also facilitated training for the laboratory staff to provide a comprehensive user-training to the students. Other public secondary schools set to benefit from this initiative include St Augustine College, Igbuzor, Delta state  and Queens College, Lagos.

Between 2005 to 2013, a review of students’ performance in Biology in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Nigeria, revealed fluctuation and downward trend in academic performance. The same review showed poor academic performances have also been persistently recorded in the sciences, with difficulties associated with learning conditions and infrastructure.

Speaking on the need to foster science and technology in public schools, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman, MTN Foundation,  said: “The importance of education and technology in the development of our nation cannot be overstated.  Science and Technology play an important role in promoting economies of advanced countries hence the decision by the Foundation to commit huge resources in projects that advance science and technology in the country.’’

Recall that in 2013, the MTNF through the Science and Technology Laboratory Project  supported over 2,000 Nigerian students across public schools in Lagos, Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi and Abia, with renovation of science laboratories and modern school supplies.

ALSO READ: Five times MTN Foundation Partnered with Nigerian Creatives

Other active steps taken by MTN Foundation to empower the Nigerian youth through quality education can also be seen in MTN Foundation Scholarships Scheme and ICT and Business Skills Training.

Over the years, the Foundation has invested in infrastructure for Science, Technology, Engineering (STEM) education in Nigeria.

The post MTNF supports Education through Renovation of Science Laboratories appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

As South Africa rides this wave of innovation and looks at how to future-proof the workforce and ready our youth for a new world, a critical issue is being overlooked: we are leaving girls behind.

Here are some sobering numbers from Statistics SA: women account for a mere 23% of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) professionals in South Africa. Of those, only 17% are in leadership roles, and these numbers are significantly less for women of colour.

In 2021, to help address the massive gender gap in STEM, fintech specialist e4 launched the Girls in STEM programme, in partnership with Melisizwe Computer Lab Project, offering girls in underprivileged areas the support they need to pursue careers in STEM post matric.

Adri Führi, e4’s Chief Financial Officer and passionate advocate for female-led initiatives in the IT sector, says there are many reasons for girls being overlooked and, in some cases, actively choosing to steer clear of careers in STEM. “There is a general lack of support from parents and teachers, minimal exposure to the different careers women can enter with STEM subjects, a lack of female role models in these spheres and an unawareness of the ability of technology to transform systems and lives.”

With youth unemployment a crisis in South Africa – currently at almost 64% according to Statistics SA – and the STEM sector where most jobs lie, this is a real problem for young women in the job market, many of whom are leaving school unable to type out a CV on a computer or send it via email.

The Girls in STEM programme is changing the narrative. Launched in Gauteng with a total of 30 girls from two schools, it is providing tutoring and mentorship sessions, and offering activities such as boot camps, excursions and site visits, where the girls learn about coding and robotics as well as life skills like teamwork and problem-solving.It starts in Grade 9, the crucial year when subject choices are made, and continues for five years, introducing learners to science, software development, engineering and robotics in an interactive and engaging way to keep them invested and interested.

Melisizwe developed a multiple certification approach, enabling the girls to be certified at each level throughout programme, so if they have to exit school early for whatever reason, they have a certificate to assist them in future job searches.

Führi says the response to the programme has been amazing and they have seen a definite increase in the girls’ mathematics and science marks since its launch. “We are facing some challenges, though, such as internet connectivity and getting the girls up to date with their school curriculum due to COVID-19 lockdowns interrupting their schoolwork. We would also obviously love to reach more girls in the future.”

More funding is needed in girls’ education in STEM, with a focus on technology, according to Führi. “To effect meaningful change, we need forward-thinking and impactful investment from corporates. We are calling on corporates across South Africa to get on board and help us scale this project so we can roll it out nationally. By working together, we can ensure a brighter future for girls in STEM and create a sustainable pipeline of future IT-qualified employees and leaders. If done right, I believe the impact could be extremely effective.”

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GetBundi will target to equip young people with Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with a special focus on six years of post-primary school.

Speaking at the launch, Osita Oparaugo, Founder/CEO of GetBundi, said STEM learning encourages creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills which are very relevant in the 21st-century world, and prepare developing economies to compete in the global market.

“Singapore used science and technology in turning from a developing country to a developed country. China went from having a no-flush problem to being a global leader in science. These countries have flourishing economies as a result of the critical role scientific and technological advancements have played,” Oparaugo said.

“What China and Singapore have achieved in less than 50 years, Africa can also attain using STEM Education and STI Skills acquisition, especially when one considers the abundance of human capital and the resilient nature of Africans, especially the youths,” he said.

GetBundi currently has over 1,008 hours of audio-visual content on the platform covering six years of secondary school work using the West African curriculum.

“Our STEM education is West African curriculum-based, is purposed for post-primary school students from JSS1/Year 7 to SSS3/Year 12, and covers subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, ICT, Data Processing, English Language, etc.

“It can be used as teachers’ aid, support to in-school students as continuous learning, and as a study guide for out-of-school students.

“It can also be used to prepare those standing for competitive examinations like WAEC, NECO or University and Tertiary Matriculation Examinations organized by JAMB,” he said.

He announced that GetBundi was working to include three years of JAMB, IELTS, and TOEFL revision classes, as well as Science, Technology, and Innovation skills in its next product deployment.

He said the STI skills would include video editing, digital marketing, graphic design, and coding courses, and users who successfully complete a course and its accompanying assignments would earn a diploma.

“Acquiring digital skills is a must for anyone in the 21st century, especially in Africa. STEM-focused remote jobs are in high demand and are well-paying, and with so many people willing to make the switch but not knowing where to start, GetBundi is the one-stop-shop for you,” he said.

The GetBundi founder said youth acquisition of STI/digital skills would boost trade and help to build an African market driven by technology.

“Our projection is to support and upskill 10 million Africans in the next 10 years through STEM and STI digital skills acquisition; a strategy that we have tagged as ‘The GetBundi Vision 2032’,” he said.

He called on the African Union and regional economic organizations on the continent, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to key into the vision.

“There is no better time than now for Africa to rethink and refocus education towards STEM and to embark on STI skills acquisition,” he said.

The post Edtech Platform, GetBundi Launches with Focus on STEM, STI Skills appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

After successfully scaling through multiple rigorous stages in the competition, Dokun was awarded the grand prize of N7.5 million in scholarships, among other prizes.

The duo – Ayanlade Jesuferanmi of Obafemi Awolowo University International School, Ile-Ife, and Omoniyi Qudus of Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota – clinched the second and third prizes, receiving N4 million and N1 million in scholarships respectively, among other prizes.

After a 13-week run on both terrestrial and domestic television stations, Interswitch revealed the best science student in the country during the last episode, which aired on February 5, 2021.

Over 18,000 students from various secondary schools in Nigeria competed for the N12.5 million scholarships and other perks attached to the top three positions in the competition.

As a pioneer tech company in Nigeria, Interswitch remains committed to exploring the advantages of technology, as it maintains its drive of creating a prosperous Nigeria and by extension, Africa.

To advance this goal, Interswitch is encouraging more African students to take up STEM courses, as this has proven to be one of the drivers of thriving economies around the world.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Payment Processing & Switching (Interswitch Purepay), Akeem Lawal, reiterated the need for more African students to participate in STEM fields. He described STEM as important in helping Africans solve unique problems on the continent.

He said: “As our contribution to closing this gap, we introduced InterswitchSPAK in 2018 because we realized the critical role of STEM education to our country, and the continent, and its importance to the future of Africa.

“Our objectives are clear – to prioritise STEM in the education of the Nigerian child; fan the flames of interest in STEM education, where it already exists; and to promote and reward excellence in this field of study.”

InterswitchSPAK, a collaborative effort of Interswitch and JustMedia Productions, is a CSR initiative that is held in Nigeria and Kenya annually. It has produced other winners such as Akachukwu Anumudu of Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Lagos and Oyindamola Aje of Jesuit Memorial College, Rivers in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

InterswitchSPAK continues to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Africa as an engine of change.

At its core, Interswitch holds the belief that change can be induced through STEM education, even as its benefits can be targeted at the stimulation of growth in Africa. This belief underpins the reason why the InterswitchSPAK platform was birthed.

The post 16-Year-Old Jubril Dokun, 2 Others Win N12.5M Scholarships in InterswitchSPAK 3.0 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

On Saturday, the U.S. Consulate General in collaboration with the Global Air Drone Academy and the Lagos State Ministry of Education hosted Africa’s first drone soccer competition in Lagos.

Eight girl-led teams selected from 71 student teams from public high schools across Agege, Alimosho and Ifako Ijaiye communities of Lagos Education District 1 participated in the keenly contested competition.

The Pace Setters Team from Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School emerged as the winner of the tournament.

Alisgrams Team from Alimosho Senior Grammar School and Alpha Team from Abesan Senior High School took second and third place positions respectively.

The three best performing teams at the Drone Soccer Competition won a prize of $1,500 STEM lab each for their respective schools.

Delivering remarks at the grand finale of the tournament, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli highlighted the importance of STEM education to Nigeria’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.

He explained that the tournament was designed to provide the students with quality technological learning opportunities and stimulate their interest in math and science, as well as careers in the STEM fields.

“We are so proud to partner with the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the Global Air Drone Academy to not only bring practical, hands-on STEM education to the Lagos school district but also to offer the opportunity for representing schools to show off their STEM skills in drone soccer, the world’s newest sport,” Ibelli said.

Eno Umoh, Co-founder of the U.S.-headquartered Global Air Drone Academy, explained that one of the key objectives of the program was to engage underserved communities, especially young girls, about the impact they could have in STEM fields.

“We are beyond excited to be pioneering the newest emerging e-sport in Africa. Drones are an innovative and engaging tool that can be used to inspire students to pursue education and careers in STEM,” Umoh added.

The drone soccer competition was a follow-up initiative to a series of drone technology and STEM training for 500 students as well as a capacity building workshop for 50 teachers on effective approaches to teaching STEM subjects which were held in 2021 in Lagos Education District 1.

Drone Soccer is the world’s newest e-sport played with flying quadcopters in protective plastic exoskeletons designed for full-contact gameplay. Drone Soccer is the only educational robotics competition that is also an international sport, sanctioned by the World Air Sports Federation (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) in 2018.

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For 13 weeks, the program has thrilled viewers at home with captivating episodes, putting on display the admirable brilliance of the contestants.

InterswitchSPAK remains positioned as the hallmark platform for the development of talents in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field in Africa, giving Senior Secondary School students, both in Nigeria and Kenya, the chance to explore and whet their passion for STEM.

This focus on STEM is crucial in view of the staggering potential of STEM subjects in the development of the African economy as identified by experts in the field, which calls for an increase in STEM subject uptake, especially by students across the continent. This remains the underlying reason for the introduction of the InterswitchSPAK competition.

To incentivize these students, the creators of the competition – Africa’s leading payment company, Interswitch set aside the sum of N12.5 million, plus other prizes, for the top three winners.

The first-place winner gets N7.5 million worth of scholarships spread over five years, a monthly stipend, and a laptop.

The second-place winner will receive N4 million in scholarship spread over three years, a monthly stipend, and a laptop while the third-place winner gets N1 million spread over one year, a monthly stipend, and a laptop.

Interswitch believes that Africa’s development is embedded in the knowledge of STEM courses to drive growth across various economic sectors, in line with its goal of a prosperous Africa; and that the InterswitchSPAK competition serves as a platform for igniting the passion and preparing the students for the change and economic growth we hope to see on the continent.

To instill in the contestants the motivation to aspire to greatness and the drive to create change, every episode begins with a SPAK hero fostering change locally and globally using the power of STEM.

So, as we anticipate the winners, let us join these brilliant young minds as they SPAK their way to the top on DSTV Africa Magic Family Channel 154 and GOTV Channel 2, every Saturday by 6:30 pm, and on Sunday on the AIT Network by 3:30 pm.

Now, the question is; are you ready to SPAK?

The post InterswitchSPAK 3.0: Anticipating the Grand Finale appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The scholarship program will offer sustainable benefits in career path development, skills portfolio, and personal skill development for young Nigerians that are interested in building a successful career in the technology sector.

According to Charles Emembolu, Founder, TechQuest STEM Academy, the scholarship program will be delivered through a combined learning approach that combines the most in-demand tech courses.

He said a team of great tutors with the skills and knowledge will deliver growth and results for trainees, and an environment that allows trainees to explore their creativity, job market preparation in a fun, open, and transformative learning experience.

“We are changing the way tech education is delivered to the Nigerian population. And we aim to only give value to help our trainees build their future with greater confidence, capability, and possibility.”

TechQuest STEM Academy scholarship, both physical and virtual program is offered to the most qualified and needy with dedicated slots for everyone including those living with disabilities.

Emebolu said TechQuest is equipped with the tools to help young people gain hard technical skills and soft life skills to build long-term success in their careers.

Emembolu said the quality of the programs and their impact on participants is a direct reflection of what TechQuest STEM Academy represents.

The benefits according to him include the following:

• A 2-month intensive training
• Onsite Trainees Only
• One daily meal inclusive
• Access to TechQuest co-working space
• Work on real-life projects to enhance experience and confidence
• Job placement, local and international internship opportunities
• Citizenship training
• Networking, mentorship, and emigration support

APPLY HERE

TechQuest STEM Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides education technology content, resources, and tools for the delivery of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), ICT, and digital literacy programs to young Africans at scale.

The post TechQuest Offers Premium Scholarship to Nigerians Interested in Tech appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The updates expand the Family Pairing tool, allowing parents to set specific times when their teens cannot access TikTok, see who they interact with, and even receive alerts when their child reports inappropriate content. 

Again, the platform is introducing a wind-down mode to encourage teens under 16 to step away from their screens at night.

Since launching Family Pairing five years ago, TikTok has continuously added features to help parents supervise their teenagers’ online activities. With the new Time Away function, parents can now block access to TikTok during specific hours, such as school time, family gatherings, or bedtime. 

They can also create a recurring schedule to reinforce screen time habits. If a teen requests extra time, parents have the final say on whether to approve it.

To improve visibility into their teen’s digital social circle, TikTok is adding a feature that allows parents to see who their child follows, who follows them, and which accounts they have blocked. In addition, when a teen reports content they believe violates TikTok’s guidelines, they now have the option to notify a trusted adult at the same time.

Parents also have more control over their teen’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed, which has gained popularity among young users worldwide. If a teen disables this feature, parents can re-enable it.

Other adjustable settings include:

• Customised daily screen time limits – parents can set different usage limits for weekdays and weekends, requiring a passcode to extend screen time.
• Privacy settings management – if a teen makes their account public, parents can switch it back to private.

In a bid to curb excessive social media use at night, TikTok is rolling out a new wind-down mode. If a teen under 16 remains active on the app past 10pm, their For You feed will be interrupted by a full-screen message accompanied by calming music, encouraging them to log off. If they continue using the app, a second, more persistent prompt appears.

TikTok is also testing in-app meditation exercises as part of this feature, drawing from research that suggests mindfulness practices improve sleep quality. The platform already restricts push notifications for teens during nighttime hours.

Dr Vicki Harrison, a member of TikTok’s Content Advisory Counsel and Programme Director for Stanford Psychiatry’s Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing, praised the update, stating:

“TikTok has responded to calls from both youth and their families for more tools that will help them support their wellbeing while using the app. Prioritising sleep, balanced usage, and more parent-teen interactions around social media use are all positive steps that I hope we see more of.”

TikTok is also working on more robust age verification measures to ensure that children under 13 do not access the platform. The company is partnering with Telefónica to explore ways in which mobile providers can help confirm users’ ages. 

Added to this, TikTok is supporting the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Age Assurance, an initiative that brings together policymakers, regulators, and child safety organisations to discuss industry-wide solutions.

The platform is making an effort to simplify online safety for parents through its Digital Safety Partnership for Families. This initiative provides parents with guidance on setting digital boundaries, ensuring that conversations about online experiences are not limited to TikTok but apply across all platforms.

Stephen Balkam, CEO and founder of the Family Online Safety Institute, welcomed TikTok’s new approach:

“TikTok’s latest iteration of its parental controls and online safety tools is a welcome development for families looking to both protect their children from harm and empower them as responsible digital citizens. Most importantly, these tools give parents greater support in fostering open, ongoing conversations about their children’s technology use.”

TikTok encourages feedback from parents and teens to help make better improvements in future.

The post TikTok Now Allows Parents to Monitor Teens’ Activity, Set Screen-Free Times appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The report by ApplyBoard, the leading international student mobility technology platform, tagged “International Students Increasingly Interested in High-Demand Careers, ApplyBoard’s Internal Data Shows” comprehensively analyzed international student search trends across Canada, the US, and the UK offering valuable insights into how Nigerian students are shaping their study choices.

With shifting policies and a changing global landscape, Nigerian students are increasingly aligning their academic interests with high-demand career sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and science.

Key Insights

Healthcare Surge in Canada and the US

• In Canada, Nigerian student interest in healthcare programs grew significantly, aligning with the country’s increasing demand for healthcare professionals, with projected shortages in doctors and nurses.
• For the US, health-related searches from Nigerian students rose dramatically by seven percentage points in 2024, now accounting for 20% of searches. This shift is reflective of the growing global focus on healthcare careers.
• The UK also witnessed increased interest in healthcare programs from Nigerian students, a trend that mirrors broader workforce demands.

STEM Dominates in the US

• Nigerian students remain committed to STEM fields, with 62% of the total number of Nigerian students in the US pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math courses.
• Science-related searches surged in 2024, with 18% of Nigerian students searching for science programs, indicating a growing preference for this field.
• Engineering and technology, despite a slight overall decline, remain key areas of interest for Nigerian students, with 17% exploring this sector, highlighting the global demand for STEM professionals.

Growing Interest in UK Programs

• Interest in UK programs from Nigerian students rose substantially in 2024, with healthcare, engineering, and science fields becoming increasingly popular.
• Nigerian students’ searches for health-related programs in the UK saw a notable increase, up by five percentage points compared to the previous year, reflecting the sector’s growing demand in the UK’s expanding healthcare system.
• As the UK experiences positive momentum in early 2025, Nigerian students are likely to play a central role in this recovery.

These insights underscore how Nigerian students are adapting their study choices to meet global job market demands, positioning themselves for careers in high-growth sectors.

As institutions in Canada, the US, and the UK look to recruit top international talent, focusing on these fields can help align student interests with workforce needs.

The post REVEALED: Healthcare, STEM, Top Programmes Nigerians Study in Canada, UK and U.S. appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Once again, Interswitch has brought together the nation’s brightest young minds, reaffirming its commitment to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and innovation.

This flagship CSR initiative continues to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and tech leaders who will shape Nigeria’s future.

InterswitchSPAK 6.0 was nothing short of electrifying. Students from across Nigeria participated, showcasing remarkable talent, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

With each challenging round, these young innovators proved their mettle, captivating audiences with their brilliance and determination.

After an intense battle of wits, three outstanding students emerged victorious:

• First Place: Ndudu Ekong Henry from Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom state claimed the grand prize—a whopping ₦15 million scholarship spread over five years, a brand-new laptop, and monthly stipends to support his academic journey.
• Second Place: Eric Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College, Lagos state secured a ₦10 million scholarship spread over three years and a brand-new laptop.
• Third Place: David Umeojiaka from Graceland International School, Rivers State won a ₦5 million scholarship for one year, alongside a brand-new laptop.

The rewards didn’t end there! Students who placed fourth to ninth received cash prizes, while the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 teachers were treated to a plethora of gifts for their dedication and hard work.

Also, the top 200 preliminary qualifiers were given free JAMB e-PINs, reaffirming Interswitch’s commitment to education accessibility.

For the winners, the experience was a dream come true. Overjoyed and proud, they shared their excitement and gratitude for being part of such a transformative journey.

Their hard work and perseverance stood out, proving that determination truly pays off.

InterswitchSPAK is more than just a competition, but a platform that ignites potential, nurtures innovation, and celebrates the boundless possibilities within STEM.

As Nigeria’s digital future unfolds, Interswitch remains steadfast in lighting the path for these young trailblazers, promoting innovation and breaking boundaries in science and technology.

Reflecting on the success of InterswitchSPAK 6.0, it invokes a sense of pride and optimism for what lies ahead.

The future of Nigeria’s STEM community is undoubtedly bright, and the world can’t wait to see these young talents redefine the world of science and technology.

Here’s to the future scientists, engineers, and innovators who will lead the way. Your journey has only just begun, and the possibilities are limitless!

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