LAGOS/Nigeria: The Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), has showcased remarkable science and technology innovations developed by secondary school students under its flagship programme, Igniting Minds through Science (IMS).
Launched on November 27, 2023, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the IMS initiative was designed to boost STEM learning and nurture innovation among students in underserved communities. Now in its third year, the programme has evolved into a major STEM development platform, expanding its reach to Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Delta States.
To date, IMS has impacted 13,836 students across 334 senior secondary schools in Lagos, 51 schools in seven local government areas of Akwa Ibom, and 49 schools in two local government areas of Delta State.
The 2025 edition kicked off with intensive orientation sessions for principals and science teachers in the three states. The sessions prepared them to guide students in developing science-based solutions aligned with the theme: “Future Frontiers: STEM Innovations for Nation Building.” A panel of experts, including government officials, evaluated entries ahead of the qualifiers and final exhibitions.
In Akwa Ibom, VCDF trained educators from 47 schools, reaching 2,900 students and funding 37 student-led projects. Ten schools progressed to the grand finale held on November 22, where Afang Inang Secondary School claimed the top position. Excellence College and Eket Modern High School emerged second and third.
One of the standout participants, Ekemini-Abasi Idorenyin, said the programme reshaped his perception of creativity. “I used to think only adults could invent things. Now I know younger children can innovate too,” he said.
In Delta State, the Foundation engaged teachers from 34 schools and reached 300 students. Eleven schools advanced to the final round held on November 28. Utagba-Ogbe Technical College emerged champion, with Abbi Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School and Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, placing second and third.
Mrs. Hope Gumbor, who represented the Commissioner for Education, described the initiative as the most impactful programme she had witnessed since becoming a director in 2022. She said the IMS aligns strongly with the Delta State Government’s MORE agenda for education reform.
Teachers across the three states reported visible improvements in students’ problem-solving abilities, teamwork, creativity and communication—skills they described as essential for 21st-century learning.
In Lagos, the programme reached 4,622 students after VCDF invited 334 schools, with 244 completing the orientation. Of the 122 proposals submitted, 86 received funding. The qualifiers featured 83 schools, and 12 advanced to the finals held on December 6 at the Lagos Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.
Government Technical College, Agidingbi, won first place with its AquaRenew project, while Kosofe Senior College, Ketu, and Gaskiya Senior College took the second and third spots with Smart Energy Control and Motorised Wheelchair projects respectively.
Mrs. Grace Akinfoyewa, Director of Science and Technology Education in Lagos State, commended the exhibition, saying it reflects the state’s STEM priorities and fosters collaboration across schools.
SEEPCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and deepening STEM literacy nationwide. The company said its partnership with VCDF will continue to create pathways for young innovators and strengthen Nigeria’s future technological capacity.
With the success of the 2025 edition, the IMS programme continues to cement its reputation as one of the country’s most transformative STEM initiatives, empowering thousands of students and bringing innovative ideas from classrooms into the national spotlight.
