FG describes INSPIRE project launch as beacon of STEM education in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the office of the Vice President Kashim Shettima, has lauded the launch of the INSPIRE Project as a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s educational and technological development, describing it as a critical step toward empowering the next generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers. Represented by the Special Adviser to the […]

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the office of the Vice President Kashim Shettima, has lauded the launch of the INSPIRE Project as a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s educational and technological development, describing it as a critical step toward empowering the next generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, the Vice President delivered an impassioned keynote speech at the official unveiling of the project at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.

The initiative, led by PanAfricare and the TechWomen Alumni Association Nigeria with funding from ExxonMobil Foundation, aims to revolutionize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria’s underserved public secondary schools.

According to Shettima, “The true measure of a nation’s progress is not in the volume of its exports or the height of its skyscrapers, but in the opportunities it creates for its youth to dream, to discover, and to design the future.”

He emphasized that Nigeria must no longer position its youth as mere spectators in the global knowledge economy but as formidable players.

“The INSPIRE Project is a bold and deliberate effort to spark an enduring interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among our students. This aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision that investing in education is the most enduring form of nation-building.”

At the heart of the initiative is the INSPIRE Box, a high-tech toolkit equipped with 3D printers, robotics kits, laptops, virtual reality headsets, coding software, merge cubes, and lab equipment, designed to bring interactive STEM learning to schools that have historically lacked such resources.

The project will be implemented in 14 underserved schools across six states, Abia, Bauchi, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory, with a deliberate focus on gender inclusion and accessibility.

Over 65% of beneficiaries are targeted to be girls, with a minimum of 3% comprising students living with disabilities.

In his welcome address, Dr Patrick Adah, Country Director of PanAfricare Nigeria, expressed deep appreciation to partners and stakeholders, especially ExxonMobil Foundation, for their unwavering support.

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to ExxonMobil for their generous funding, which has made this project possible. ExxonMobil has been a dedicated supporter of PanAfricare for the past 14 years, during which time they have funded several impactful projects, including the Malaria Control Project in Akwa Ibom State (2011–2017), the Power Forward Project in the Federal Capital Territory (2013–2023), the Future Skills Project in 2024, and now, the INSPIRE Project. Also, ExxonMobil Foundation has continued to fund other projects implemented by PanAfricare in Angola.

Dr Adah highlighted past achievements as the foundation for the new initiative, citing the remarkable performances of Nigerian students in international competitions.

“Through the Future Skills Project, we have witnessed the transformative power of equipping young individuals with modern learning tools and mentorship,” he said.

“The outstanding achievements of our young innovators in the FIRST Tech Challenge serve as a testament to this impact.”

He noted that early this year, “Government Secondary School, Garki, won the prestigious INSPIRE Award, earning them a place at the World Robotics Championship in Houston, Texas.”

“Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, received the Innovation Project Award, qualifying them for the Open Africa Championship in South Africa.”