STEM METS Celebrates a Decade of Transformative Impact on STEM Education in Nigeria

STEM METS, a social enterprise dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators, marked its 10th anniversary with a renewed commitment to providing 21st-century skills training to children in Nigeria and Africa. Through engaging STEM-based activities and programs, STEM METS has empowered thousands of young Africans, equipping them with the essential skills to thrive in the global economy.

The anniversary celebration, held at the Art Hotel in Lagos on Tuesday, honoured the organisation’s decade-long journey characterised by hands-on learning experiences, strategic partnerships, and innovative programs designed to bridge the STEM knowledge gap.

Speaking at the 10th Anniversary Ceremony held in Lagos, Jadesola Adedeji, Chief Executive Officer, STEM METS, stated: “A decade ago, we began with a dream to make education more exciting, more hands-on, and most importantly, more transformative. We envisioned a world where learning went beyond textbooks cramming and regurgitating, to a world where every child can experiment, build, create, and imagine. In these ten years, this dream has become a movement where we have reached over 30,000 students, educating them with skills in robotics, coding, engineering, and more. Our programs have inspired young children to dream big, enabling students to innovate solutions for real-world challenges, and equipping educators with the tools to nurture the next generation of problem solvers.”

Despite the systemic challenges facing Africa’s STEM education landscape, including limited resources and access to innovative teaching tools, STEM METS’ approach offers sustainable solutions, empowering students with knowledge and skills essential for navigating the technology-driven world. With a proven track record of impacting over 30,000 students and training 580 educators, the organisation has solidified its role as a catalyst for STEM educational reform.

The keynote speaker at the ceremony, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, emphasised the transformative power of STEM education stating: “Over the past decade, STEM METS has been a beacon of hope and opportunity through its various programs. The world around us is changing at an unprecedented pace with artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, space exploration, and climate change solutions redefining lives, industries, communities, and the world generally. Our world has never presented us with as many possibilities as we see today. As we celebrate this milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to a shared vision. A Nigeria where every child has access to quality STEM or STEAM education, where every young mind can innovate, and where every dream has the opportunity to become reality.”

The anniversary celebration honoured outstanding students recognized as future STEM leaders. These young innovators were awarded for their creativity, innovation, and exceptional achievements. This recognition not only celebrated their hard work but also reinforced STEM METS’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.

The event also featured a captivating panel discussion on “Reimagining Education: Innovation, Challenges, and the Future.” Esteemed experts, including Molade Adeniyi, CEO of Teach for Nigeria; Titi Adewusi, Co-Founder of 9ija Kids; [TBC]; and moderated by Yemisi Ogunlade, Principal Consultant at Plumptre Advisory, shared insights on the future of education.

As STEM METS reflects on its remarkable journey over the past decade, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the STEM education gap and inspire a new generation of African innovators. With continued collaboration, innovative programs, and unwavering dedication, STEM METS is poised to empower the next generation of leaders to drive technological and societal advancements.