Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, launched the Igniting Minds through Science (IMS) programme on November 27, 2023. Three years after the launch, the programme has expanded to Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Delta, with a targeted reach of 13,836 students across 334 senior secondary schools in Lagos State, 51 schools in seven LGAs in Akwa Ibom State and 49 schools in two LGAs in Delta State.
The programme is supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and focuses on helping students design solutions to issues affecting their communities. The 2025 edition began with orientation sessions for principals and teachers to prepare them to guide students in developing projects under the theme “Future Frontiers: STEM Innovations for Nation Building.” Submitted proposals were reviewed by experts, including government representatives.
In Akwa Ibom State, VCDF orientated science teachers and principals from 47 schools, reached 2,900 students and funded 37 projects for the qualifier round. Ten schools competed in the finale on November 22, 2025.
Afang Inang Secondary School won first place, Excellence College took second and Eket Modern High School came third. A student participant, Ekemini-Abasi Idorenyin, said, “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 trained science teachers and principals from 34 schools, reached 300 students and supported 11 schools that competed on November 28, 2025. Utagba-Ogbe Technical College won first place, followed by Abbi Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School and Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe. Speaking during the event, Hope Gumbor, who represented the Commissioner for Education, stated, “Since becoming a director in 2022, I have not seen anything like this in the state. It aligns with the Delta State government’s MORE agenda.”
Teachers across the states noted that students were pushed to step outside their comfort zones. They said the programme created a space for developing teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, not just science knowledge.
In Lagos State, VCDF invited 334 schools to participate, and 244 schools completed the orientation session. A total of 4622 science students were reached. Out of 122 project proposals, 86 were funded, and 83 schools presented their work during the qualifiers.
Twelve finalists advanced to the final stage on December 6, 2025, at the Lagos Education Resource Centre, Ojodu. Government Technical College, Agidingbi won first place with the AquaRenew project, Kosofe Senior College, Ketu came second with the Smart Energy Control project, and Gaskiya Senior College placed third with its Motorised Wheelchair project.
Grace Akinfoyewa, Director of Lagos State Science and Technology, said, “The exhibition strongly supports the state’s STEM goals and encourages students to collaborate effectively.”
SEEPCO stated that it remains committed to supporting education and other CSR efforts. VCDF said the continued partnership will help strengthen STEM education across Nigeria and open more opportunities for young innovators.
