ExxonMobil and JA Africa Launch 2025 STEM Africa Programme to Empower 1,500 Nigerian Students

ExxonMobil and JA Africa Launch 2025 STEM Africa Programme to Empower 1,500 Nigerian Students

In a strategic effort to cultivate future innovators, ExxonMobil Foundation, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa), has officially launched the 2025 STEM Africa Programme. The initiative targets over 1,500 secondary school students in Nigeria, focusing on strengthening their capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

The launch event, held in Abuja, featured an engaging STEM quiz competition involving five schools. Ugonna Achebe, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, emphasized the programme’s mission: to equip students with critical skills for impactful careers.

“We aim to empower a new batch of students every year,” Achebe noted. “Our goal is to reach as many young minds as possible with relevant tools to thrive in today’s digital and business landscape.”

Key Objectives of the Programme

The STEM Africa initiative is designed to:

• Strengthen students’ critical thinking and collaboration skills
• Foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, especially among girls
• Prepare youth for leadership roles and innovative problem-solving

Achebe stressed that this year’s participants are entirely new, allowing more students to benefit from the life-changing programme.

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ExxonMobil’s Commitment to STEM Education

Shane Harris, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil subsidiaries in Nigeria, represented by Nigel Cookey-Gam, explained the foundation’s reason for supporting the initiative.

“We noticed a lack of interest in STEM among many young people, particularly girls. This programme is our way of changing that narrative,” Harris said.

He added that the initiative is being implemented not only in Nigeria but also in Angola, Namibia, and Mozambique, reflecting ExxonMobil’s broader commitment across Africa.

Significant Results and Future Prospects

Since its inception, the STEM Africa Programme has:

• Reached over 6,000 students continent-wide
• Improved STEM quiz scores in Nigeria by 212%
• Hosted weekly STEM challenges and innovation boot camps

According to Harris, outstanding students from the 2025 edition will be selected to represent Nigeria at a regional STEM conference in South Africa.

Government Endorsement and Impact

Maria Okhilo, Director of M&E at the FCT Secondary Education Board, commended the programme’s impact.

“Our students now see the world differently. They’re becoming innovators, thanks to your support,” she stated.

The STEM Africa Programme continues to make a lasting difference, shaping a generation ready to lead in science and technology across Africa.