The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has expressed deep concern over the widening gap in access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, warning that approximately 18.4 million Nigerian children are being excluded from critical learning opportunities essential for sustainable development.
NNPC Foundation Highlights Educational Crisis
Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, raised this alarm during the “Battle of the Energy Titans” awards ceremony held in Abuja. The event was organized in partnership with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED). Arukwe emphasized that the scale of the education gap poses a significant threat to Nigeria's ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of energy access, innovation, and economic growth.
“The reality is that over 18.4 million children in Nigeria still lack access to STEAM education. That is a gap we cannot ignore,” Arukwe stated. She added that the NNPC Foundation is investing heavily in youth-focused initiatives to bridge this divide and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
Youth Potential and Empowerment Programs
Arukwe noted that with more than 80 million Nigerians aged between 10 and 24, the country possesses immense potential to cultivate a new generation of innovators capable of addressing energy poverty and driving the global energy transition. She stressed that focusing on education, health, environment, and energy access remains crucial while aligning with global development targets.
The NNPC Foundation has already trained over 500 youths under its empowerment programs, equipping them with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Initiatives such as the STEM Book Project, NYSC empowerment schemes, and climate-smart agriculture training are part of broader efforts to build capacity and promote sustainability.
Battle of the Energy Titans Competition
The “Battle of the Energy Titans” competition showcased the creativity and problem-solving abilities of Nigerian students. Participants presented innovative solutions ranging from solar-powered devices and clean cooking innovations to mini-grid systems and waste-to-energy projects. Arukwe remarked, “The competition is raising a new generation of energy entrepreneurs who are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to lead Africa’s energy future.”
Sunday Asefon Dayo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, represented by his technical assistant Bolanle Wellington, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to youth empowerment as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that energy poverty continues to hinder education, productivity, and economic growth but expressed optimism that young Nigerians are increasingly stepping forward with practical solutions.
“The future of Nigeria will not be built by resources alone, it will be built by the minds we prepare today,” Dayo said, commending both the NNPC Foundation and the OLOGED Initiative for promoting innovation and energy literacy among students.
Energy on Wheels Project and School Awards
The event also featured the unveiling of the Energy on Wheels Project, designed to take energy education and practical demonstrations to schools and underserved communities. At the competition, Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, secured third place, while Nigeria-Korea Model School, Piwoyi, came second. Premier Academy, Lugbe, won the top prize. The schools were awarded N1 million and other cash prizes.
