Cross section of IMS Lagos winners, VCDF and dignitaries from Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education
Science and technology ignite paths to solve social challenges, but curiosity among young students in underserved Nigerian communities often struggles to bloom into innovation – VCDF.
On November 27, 2023, 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. Three years into the programme, it has been scaled across 3 states with targeted coverage of 13,836 students from all 334 senior secondary schools in Lagos State, 51 schools across 7 LGAs in Akwa Ibom State, and 49 schools across 2 LGAs in Delta State.
Supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), IMS aids students in designing solutions to community challenges. The 2025 IMS edition commenced with orientation sessions for principals and teachers to guide students in proposing, developing, and presenting projects on the theme “Future Frontiers: STEM Innovations for Nation Building.” Proposals were reviewed by experts, including designated government officials.
In Akwa Ibom State, VCDF conducted orientation for science teachers and principals from 47 schools, directly reaching 2,900 students. The foundation funded 37 projects for the qualifier round, from which 10 schools advanced to compete in the finale held on November 22, 2025.
Afang Inang Secondary School emerged winner of the state competition, followed by Excellence College and Eket Modern High School in second and third place, respectively.
One of the participating students, Ekemini-Abasi Idorenyin, reflected on the experience, saying, “What I learnt is that younger children can invent things. Previously, I thought we needed to graduate and grow up.”
In Delta State, the programme reached 300 students through orientation sessions held for 34 schools. Eleven schools were supported to participate in the state competition on November 28, 2025.
Utagba-Ogbe Technical College won first place, with Abbi Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School coming second and Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe placing third.
Mrs. Hope Gumbor, who represented the Commissioner for Education, commended the initiative, stating that since assuming office in 2022, she had “not seen anything like this in the state,” adding that the programme aligns with the Delta State Government’s MORE agenda.
Teachers in the state also noted that beyond scientific inquiry, students improved in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—skills they described as critical outputs of the programme.
In Lagos State, VCDF extended invitations to 334 senior secondary schools. Of these, teachers and principals from 244 schools participated in orientation activities, reaching 4,622 science students. A total of 122 proposals were submitted, and 86 were funded. Eighty-three schools showcased their projects during the qualifiers.
Twelve schools advanced to the finals, which took place on December 6, 2025, at the Lagos Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.
Government Technical College, Agidingbi won the state competition with its AquaRenew project. Kosofe Senior College, Ketu, secured second place with a Smart Energy Control project, while Gaskiya Senior College came third with a Motorised Wheelchair innovation.
Mrs. 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 has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to backing educational and development-focused programmes under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. Through its sustained partnership with VCDF, the IMS programme is expected to continue strengthening STEM capacity across Nigeria, supporting young innovators and contributing to long-term national development.
