The ExxonMobil Foundation has expanded its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programme in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with skills for the future.

The commitment was reiterated at the STEM Africa Initiative Innovation Boot Camp in Abuja, where 120 students from 10 secondary schools participated after emerging as winners in STEM quiz competitions across the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Councils.

Speaking at the event, Acting Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, said the students took part in practical design-thinking exercises that challenged them to develop innovative solutions to everyday problems while interacting with ExxonMobil professionals who shared their career experiences.

He said the collaboration with the ExxonMobil Foundation, now in its third year, has become an important platform for empowering young people and will continue to grow.

Executive Director of JA Nigeria, Simi Nwogugu, said the initiative is designed to prepare students for the global economy by exposing them to practical STEM learning and mentorship from industry professionals.

Also speaking, STEM Coordinator and Physics teacher at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Shodeinde Babafemi Samuel, said the programme has improved students’ academic performance and confidence, noting that some former participants scored as high as 368 and 339 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Socio-economic Manager at Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Nigel Cookey-Gam, said the initiative encourages innovation and equips students with the mindset to solve real-world challenges, adding that previous participants have gone on to achieve remarkable academic success after taking part in the programme.