John Onuigbo Wins Future Awards Africa Prize for Education
John Onuigbo, a trailblazing education innovator and social entrepreneur, has emerged winner of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Education 2025. The award, which celebrates outstanding young Africans driving measurable impact across the continent, recognises Onuigbo’s transformative work in expanding access to quality STEM and entrepreneurship education, particularly in underserved communities. Onuigbo is the […]
John Onuigbo, a trailblazing education innovator and social entrepreneur, has emerged winner of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Education 2025.
The award, which celebrates outstanding young Africans driving measurable impact across the continent, recognises Onuigbo’s transformative work in expanding access to quality STEM and entrepreneurship education, particularly in underserved communities.
Onuigbo is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Foris Labs, a virtual science laboratory that enables secondary school students to perform physics, chemistry, and biology experiments through interactive digital simulations. Developed in response to the acute shortage of functional laboratories in many Nigerian schools, the platform is now being used nationwide to enhance students’ understanding of core scientific concepts and to support teachers in delivering effective practical lessons.
He also founded Stemnovo NG, an initiative that equips students in rural and semi-urban areas with skills in coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship. Since its inception, the programme has trained more than 17,000 young people, many of whom have gone on to develop technology-driven solutions to local challenges.
Onuigbo made history in 2021 when he became the first African to win the Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge, a global competition that celebrates innovations advancing learning, health, and wellbeing. Under his leadership, Nigerian students have achieved several international and national accolades, including the World Affairs Challenge, the Diamond Challenge, the National Girls in ICT Competition, and the UK–Nigeria Debate Championship.
He also served as the youngest member of the South East Development Commission’s Venture Capital Advisory Committee, where he contributed to creating a framework for youth-focused innovation and entrepreneurship development. In 2025, he was named a Social Shifters Fellow and appointed to the Social Shifters Global Youth Council, a network that champions inclusive innovation among young leaders worldwide.
Speaking after receiving the award, Onuigbo said,
> “This recognition is a reminder of what is possible when young people are given the chance to learn, build, and lead. The work continues until every child in Africa has access to the tools and opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential.”
Now in its 19th edition, The Future Awards Africa ceremony was held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, with this year’s theme, “Threads of Legacy,” celebrating young Africans shaping the future across governance, technology, sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on this year’s event, Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, said the initiative continues to honour exceptional young people who are building Africa’s future through innovation and resilience.
> “We are proud to celebrate young achievers who are adding their threads to our collective legacy,” Razaq said. “Legacy is not built in a single moment but through every decision we make. After tonight, we will keep weaving our collective tapestry to bring Africa into the glorious future we all deserve.”
Other notable winners at the event included Mariam ‘Taaooma’ Apaokagi, who received the Prize for Content Creation; Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade, who won the Prize for Sports; and Fola David, who was named Young Person of the Year. Veteran comedian Ali Baba received the Honorary Prize for Service to Young People.
John Onuigbo’s latest recognition adds to a growing list of accolades that highlight his remarkable contributions to education innovation in Nigeria and across Africa—affirming his place among a new generation of leaders shaping the continent’s learning landscape.