In a quest to generate a talent base and educate young students who would play key roles for tomorrow’s innovation, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni Association of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Nigeria and STEMi Makers Africa conducted a successful STEM mentorship and practical class for 85 Senior secondary students in Eric Moore High School.

Dr. Omowale Ogunrinde, an IVLP Fellow and Founder of the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, Nigeria hosted the meeting and gave an introductory note to the students, thereby, enhancing their preparedness for the mentorship class. She made the students understand what innovation meant. She further advised students on how they could take creativity gotten from innovation and share the solution with the public, thereby, making a living for themselves.

The mentorship session also had Dr. Adesalu from the University of Lagos and a Fulbright Scholar discussing the role of STEM in the 21st century. She shared on how Science relates to our normal daily life. She said “if we do not follow the trend of new innovation, there is every certainty of being left out.” It was an interactive session as students were able to share modifications they had observed in the society.

The second session was facilitated by Amanda Obidike, a YALI RLC Alumni and Founder of STEMi Makers Africa. She shared about how Innovation is a critical component of economic growth and how it has appeared to be a driving force behind inventions that is changing the world. She also talked about how Future of Works can be a threat in the 21st century (Artificial Intelligence) if young leaders do not embrace the opportunity to effectively manage innovation.

To round off the program, the STEMi Makers Africa divided the students into five (5) groups and gave them a task to assemble robot segments given the instruction manual. Students were engaged on a hands-on experience in building and design thinking. In order to foster the development of these strong skills in students, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving tools such as robot assembling) were given to inspire and build student’s readiness in embracing STEM opportunities and its pathways. They were also engaged in Solar System Scorecards and Quiz to gain more knowledge on galaxies, stars, detailed study of the earth and the planetary system.

The partners for this program (IVLP and STEMi Makers Africa) were able to take traditional learning and pivot it to prioritize the hands-on experience and real-world application necessary for developing student’s innovative mind. Thanks to the IVLP Alumni Association for making this a success.

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