STEM Africa Fest is helping shape the next generation of innovators by giving children practical experience in science and technology. Since its launch, the initiative has reached more than 25,000 children across Africa while encouraging schools to embrace hands-on STEM education.
The annual festival returned to Lagos for its sixth edition, bringing together about 3,500 children and parents. Organisers used the event to renew calls for stronger integration of practical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education into Nigeria’s school curriculum.
Festival Expands Across Africa
STEM Africa Fest began in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Since then, it has expanded beyond Nigeria to Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Zambia, Rwanda, and Kenya.
The festival promotes experiential learning through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). As a result, thousands of children have gained opportunities to experiment with new technologies instead of relying only on classroom lessons.
Conveners Titi Adewusi and Jadesola Adedeji said they created the initiative to bridge the gap between theory and practical learning. They explained that the programme allows children to build projects, solve problems, and interact with emerging technologies in a fun environment.
Building Africa’s Future Innovators
This year’s theme, “Building Future Innovators,” reflects the organisers’ commitment to preparing young Africans for careers in science and technology.
According to Adewusi, practical learning helps children understand complex concepts more effectively.
“Children are learning the theories and we wanted to bring the real thing, hands-on. If you’re teaching a child about 3D printing, we want them to actually experience it. If you’re teaching a child about building robots or AI, we wanted them to experience it.”
She said exposing children to real-life applications encourages creativity, problem-solving, and innovation from an early age.
Festival Continues to Grow
Adedeji said the idea for STEM Africa Fest grew from discussions about making science education more engaging for children.
The first edition, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted more than 1,000 participants online. Meanwhile, the first physical event welcomed over 6,000 attendees.
Since then, demand has continued to increase across Nigeria and other African countries. Consequently, the organisers adopted a partnership model that allows institutions and organisations to replicate the festival using an established framework.
Despite the growth, they identified funding, stakeholder engagement, and expansion into more locations as major challenges facing the initiative.
Organisers Seek Greater Government Support
The organisers urged governments at all levels to strengthen STEM education by introducing more practical learning into school curricula.
Adewusi said the team has already developed a STEM curriculum that some schools now use. She also expressed readiness to work with government agencies to expand its adoption in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on quality education.
Adedeji added that government support should include curriculum development, teacher training, and institutional backing for STEM-focused programmes instead of focusing only on funding.
Access Holdings Supports STEM Education
Access Holdings reaffirmed its commitment to promoting science and technology education through its support for the festival.
Programme Manager for Sustainability, Ikechukwu Iheagwam, said exposing children to technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics will better prepare them for future careers.
He also noted that private sector organisations should continue working alongside government to improve access to quality STEM education across the country.
Students Share Their Experiences
Many students who attended the event said the practical activities strengthened their interest in science and technology.
Jason Lawal, a student of Court Hill College, Opebi, participated in a Rubik’s Cube challenge and an artificial intelligence masterclass where participants created short AI-generated animations.
Fatima Namama, a student of Greater Ecstasy High School in Iyana-Ipaja, said attending the festival over the years has increased her interest in laboratory science and technology.
She encouraged schools to provide more practical STEM learning opportunities and called for wider adoption of similar programmes across Nigeria.
The organisers said STEM Africa Fest continues to make a lasting impact beyond attendance figures. They revealed that some former participants have returned as exhibitors in coding and robotics, demonstrating how the programme is helping nurture Africa’s next generation of innovators.
As the initiative expands across the continent, the organisers remain committed to inspiring more children through practical learning, emerging technologies, and creative problem-solving. They believe stronger collaboration between governments, schools, and private organisations will help prepare young Africans for the jobs and opportunities of the future.
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