Oreoluwa Adeshewa
Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and in collaboration with the Ministries of Education in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States, has helped over 13,800 students in three years through its Igniting Minds through Science (IMS) programme.
The initiative enables students to use technology to create practical solutions to community challenges.
In furtherance of the initiative, VCDF held the 2025 edition of the Igniting Minds through Science (IMS) programme across multiple locations in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
The foundation highlighted that while science and technology provide pathways to solving social challenges, curiosity among students in underserved communities often struggles to translate into innovation.
The 2025 IMS edition began with orientation sessions for principals and teachers, aimed at guiding students in proposing, developing, and presenting projects under the theme “Future Frontiers: STEM Innovations for Nation Building.” Submitted proposals were evaluated by experts, including designated government officials.
On November 27, 2023, VCDF, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, expanded the IMS programme to 334 additional senior secondary schools across Lagos.
Science teachers and principals from the schools were invited for orientation, with 244 schools reached, benefiting 4,622 science students. Out of 122 project proposals, 86 received funding, and 83 schools showcased their work at the qualifiers.
The grand finale took place on December 6, 2025, at the Lagos Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, where 12 finalists competed. Government Technical College, Agidingbi’s AquaRenew project, Kosofe Senior College, Ketu’s Smart Energy Control project, and Gaskiya Senior College’s Motorised Wheelchair won first, second, and third prizes, respectively.
Mrs. Grace Akinfoyewa, Director of Lagos State Science and Technology, noted that the exhibition aligns with the state’s STEM objectives and fosters effective student collaboration.
In Akwa Ibom, VCDF reached 2,900 students by orienting science teachers and principals from 47 schools and funding 37 projects for the qualifier round. Ten schools competed in the finale on November 22, 2025, with Afang Inang Secondary School, Excellence College, and Eket Modern High School winning first, second, and third prizes, respectively.
Ekemini-Abasi Idorenyin, a student participant, remarked, “What I learnt is that younger children can invent things. Previously, I thought we needed to graduate and grow up.”
In Delta State, the foundation engaged 34 schools, reaching 300 students and supporting 11 schools in the November 28, 2025, finale. Utagba-Ogbe Technical College, Abbi Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, and Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, claimed the top three prizes.
Mrs. Hope Gumbor, representing the Commissioner for Education, said the initiative is unprecedented in the state since her appointment in 2022 and aligns with Delta State’s MORE agenda. Teachers noted that students expanded their skills beyond science, developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and other impactful initiatives through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
With SEEPCO’s continued backing, VCDF plans to further advance STEM education nationwide, providing young innovators with clear pathways to develop their skills and contribute to sustainable national development.
