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The ExxonMobil Foundation, in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JA Nigeria), has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills through the STEM Africa Initiative Innovation Boot Camp held in Abuja
The programme brought together secondary school students from across the country to develop their technical knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven global economy
Speaking at the event, the Acting Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, said 120 students from 10 secondary schools participated in the boot camp after emerging as winners of quiz competitions held across their respective Area Councils
He explained that participants were introduced to design thinking through practical exercises, including activities that challenged them to redesign everyday products such as refrigerators to solve real-world problems
Akogun added that the students also interacted with professionals from ExxonMobil, who shared their career journeys and provided mentorship to help participants better understand career opportunities in STEM fields
He noted that the partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation has become one of the organisation’s key platforms for empowering young people and expressed satisfaction that the collaboration has entered its third consecutive year, with plans to expand its impact
Executive Director of JA Nigeria, Simi Nwogugu, said the initiative was created to inspire students and equip them with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the global economy
According to her, beyond technical training, participants benefited from direct engagement with professionals from different disciplines within ExxonMobil, gaining valuable career insights and mentorship
The STEM Coordinator and Physics teacher at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Shodeinde Babafemi Samuel, said participation in the programme has significantly improved students’ academic performance and confidence
He described the boot camp as a life-changing opportunity that exposes students to practical STEM learning beyond the classroom, adding that several former participants recorded exceptional performances in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examinations, with scores as high as 368 and 339
Samuel attributed the achievements to the intensive coaching and hands-on learning provided through the partnership between Junior Achievement Nigeria and the ExxonMobil Foundation
Also speaking, the Socio-economic Manager at Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Nigel Cookey-Gam, said students demonstrated strong curiosity and engagement during career sessions by asking thoughtful questions about STEM-related professions
He recalled the experience of a previous participant whose involvement in the regional finals in <a href="https://usglobalxpress.com/nigerias-top-airline-tycoon-calls-for-economic-pressure-on-south-africa-amid-xenophobic-unrest/" title="Nigeria’s top airline tycoon calls for economic pressure on South Africa amid xenophobic unrest”>South Africa significantly transformed her academic outlook, noting that the programme is designed to nurture innovation and prepare young people to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges
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