Vcare Foundation Showcases Students’ Science Innovations Across Three States, Backed by SEEPCO
The Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), has showcased outstanding science and technology innovations developed by students under its “Igniting Minds through Science” (IMS) programme.
The initiative, launched on Nov. 27, 2023, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, aims to strengthen STEM learning and inspire innovation among students in underserved communities.
Now in its third year, the programme has expanded to Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Delta States, reaching 13,836 students across 334 senior secondary schools in Lagos, 51 schools in seven LGAs in Akwa Ibom, and 49 schools in two LGAs in Delta.
The 2025 edition of the IMS programme began with orientation sessions for principals and science teachers to guide students in developing solutions aligned with the theme: “Future Frontiers: STEM Innovations for Nation Building.” Experts, including government officials, reviewed proposals ahead of the qualifiers and final exhibitions.
In Akwa Ibom, VCDF orientated teachers and principals from 47 schools, reaching 2,900 students and funding 37 projects for the qualifier round.
Ten schools advanced to the finale held on Nov. 22, with Afang Inang Secondary School, Excellence College and Eket Modern High School emerging first, second and third, respectively.
A student participant, Ekemini-Abasi Idorenyin, said the programme helped him realise that “younger children can invent things”, noting that he previously believed innovation was reserved for adults.
In Delta, the Foundation reached 300 students after orientating teachers and principals from 34 schools. Eleven schools competed at the finals on Nov. 28.
Utagba-Ogbe Technical College, Abbi Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School and Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, took the top three positions.
Mrs Hope Gumbor, who represented the Commissioner for Education, said the initiative was the most impactful she had witnessed since assuming office as a director in 2022, adding that it aligns with the State Government’s MORE agenda.
Teachers across the participating states said the programme had improved students’ problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.
In Lagos, VCDF invited 334 schools, orientated 244 and reached 4,622 students. Eighty-six of 122 submitted proposals received funding, and 83 schools featured in the qualifiers.
Twelve schools competed in the finals held on Dec. 6 at the Lagos Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.
Government Technical College, Agidingbi, won the first prize with its AquaRenew project, while Kosofe Senior College, Ketu, and Gaskiya Senior College clinched the second and third positions with their Smart Energy Control and Motorised Wheelchair projects, respectively.
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Mrs Grace Akinfoyewa, Director of Science and Technology Education in Lagos State, said the exhibition aligns with the state’s STEM development priorities and promotes collaboration among students.
SEEPCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, saying its partnership with VCDF will continue to deepen STEM learning and create pathways for young innovators across Nigeria.
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