200 students drawn from 8 secondary schools in Rivers State unveiled technology-driven projects in Port Harcourt at the final showcase of the Young Creators Programme (YCP), implemented by SLB in collaboration with STEMCafe.
The Young Creators Programme (YCP), launched by global energy technology company SLB in partnership with STEMCafe, culminated in an inspiring showcase as students unveiled the innovative projects they developed over a year of hands-on STEM learning. The event took place at the SLB Blue Base office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The programme engaged 200 students across eight secondary schools, equipping them with practical skills in Embedded Systems and Additive Manufacturing over a full academic session. Through hands-on experience in physical computing and 3D printing, participants gained a strong foundation in prototyping, design thinking, and problem-solving using both hardware and software tools.
By 2030, young Africans are projected to make up 42 percent of the world’s youth, with those under 35 expected to account for 75 percent of the continent’s population. This projection highlights the need to strengthen STEM education to help young people build future-ready skills and harness their full potential.
During the event, student groups representing each participating school presented their final projects to educators, industry professionals, and community stakeholders. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as young innovators demonstrated how technology could solve everyday challenges.
Highlighted projects included a Smart Walking Stick with Vibration from Community Secondary School, Rumuepirikom, designed to enhance mobility for visually impaired users through obstacle detection and haptic alerts. Students from Government Girls Secondary School, Rumueme, showcased an Automated Irrigation System that uses soil-moisture sensors to optimize watering for efficient crop management.
Another standout project, a Contactless Water Dispenser from Community Secondary School, Oroworukwo, uses motion detection to dispense water automatically, reducing shared touchpoints and limiting the spread of germs. Several teams also incorporated recycled materials, including cartons and 3D-printed components, demonstrating creativity, resourcefulness, and commitment to sustainability.
Nigeria Country Director of SLB, Nosa Omorodion, said: “Seeing these students bring their ideas to life reinforces why early exposure to STEM is so important. The Young Creators Programme gives young people the confidence to build, test, and innovate — skills that are essential for Nigeria’s future workforce. We are proud to support initiatives that unlock potential and inspire problem-solvers who will shape the country’s technological and economic growth.”
Managing Director of STEMCafe, Moji Tijani, praised the students for their creativity and determination. “Programmes like this show what happens when young people are given the right tools, guidance, and freedom to create. The students demonstrated not only technical understanding but also curiosity, resilience, and imagination. These are the qualities that drive long-term innovation, and we’re thrilled to partner with SLB to help nurture them,” she said.
The event concluded with a project exhibition where students engaged with guests, received feedback, and shared plans to further improve their prototypes. It reinforced the programme’s vision of building a generation of young innovators ready to contribute to Nigeria’s technological advancement.
Education and partnerships remain central to how SLB supports host countries and local communities. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), the company invests in quality education for young people, particularly women and students from underserved backgrounds, with a strong focus on STEM fields.
SLB’s wider educational efforts include the Faculty for the Future, SLB Excellence in Education Development (SEED), and the HSE for Youth programme. Through initiatives like the Young Creators Programme, the company continues to promote inclusive learning, skill development, and innovation among the next generation of creators.
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