Organisers Announce Plan for 3rd ‘STEAM Fun Fest’

 Omolabake Fasogbon

As part of efforts to prepare children for the future of work, Nigerian educational technology companies have announced plans this year STEAM Fun Fest event, themed, “Empowering the next generation for the future of work.”

The organisers, 9ijakids, STEM METS, Edufun Technik Hub and SabiTeach stated that the move is aimed at equiping Nigerian children with updated skills and knowledge, relevant to thrive in the 21st-century workforce and rapidly growing world of technology. 

The U.S. Department of Education recognised the needs to equip children with relevant and adequate skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions.

According to the organisers, the fun fest holding July 22, 2023, is fully packaged to hone the skills of Nigerian children with regards to knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, STEAM such that they fit with global standards. 

Speaking on the programme taking place in Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, CEO of Edufun Technik, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu explained the fest will provide a platform for children aged 6 to 14 to engage in hands-on activities and experiments in STEAM to ignite their curiosity and stimulate their creativity.

Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu who spoke on behalf of the organisers further urged parents, teachers, educators, and regulators to improve and prioritise STEAM education to be able to instil the culture in children early enough. 

She said, “STEAM education is the foundation of a brighter future for our children. The programme provides an excellent opportunity for children to explore the world of STEAM and discover their interests and talents. By exposing young people to the possibilities of STEAM fields and providing hands-on learning experiences, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders.”

The inaugural virtual edition of the event in 2021 attracted over 1,300 children from within and outside Nigeria. The 2nd edition which held physically in Lagos attracted no fewer than 6,000 persons including parents and children.