In a powerful show of how technology can shape the future, IHS Nigeria Limited, in partnership with STEAM UP Kwara and the Kwara State Government, hosted a two-day STEM Africa Fest at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, bringing together over 500 participants from across the state. The event, themed “AI for Good”, drew students and educators from public and private schools into an immersive world of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
For many of the young attendees, this was their first time seeing how robotics, artificial intelligence, and drone technology work up close. For others, it was a chance to refine their skills and dream bigger. By the time the festival closed, it was clear that this was more than just a tech fair—it was a bridge to the future.
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IHS’ Two Days of Immersive Learning
The STEM Africa Fest was carefully structured to ensure both students and teachers gained lasting value.
Day One featured a mini-AI bootcamp designed to help young participants understand the basics of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and how these technologies are shaping everyday life. Side-by-side, a STEM teacher training workshop ran for educators, focusing on how to integrate transdisciplinary learning into the classroom. The sessions emphasised the use of hands-on, locally relevant materials to make lessons more engaging and relatable for Nigerian students.
Day Two turned the Hub into a vibrant marketplace of ideas and innovation. From 3D printing demonstrations to virtual reality explorations, drone flying sessions, and robotics challenges, the air was charged with excitement. Teachers and students mingled with facilitators, asking questions, testing equipment, and imagining how they could use these technologies in their own communities.
Leaders Share Their Vision
Key voices at the festival spoke about why such initiatives are vital for Nigeria’s youth.
Dr. Adetola Salau, Special Adviser on STEM Education and Corporate Sector Engagement, called the event “a launchpad for transformation,” stressing that the future economy will reward those who are tech-savvy and innovative.
Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, made it clear that the company sees young people as more than future employees—they are the drivers of technological progress:
“Our children must be active contributors to the development of technology, not just consumers in this evolving digital economy.”
For Ejemen Okojie, IHS Nigeria’s Director of Human Resources, the festival is a reflection of the company’s long-standing commitment to education, innovation, and economic inclusion.
Jadesola Adedeji, founder of STEM METS and co-organiser, added that Africa’s long-term growth depends on what the continent does with its young population today.
“Equipping them with the tools and mindset to thrive in a tech-driven world is not optional—it’s essential.”
Beyond the IHS Event: Real Tools for Lasting Impact
IHS Nigeria ensured that the lessons learned wouldn’t end when the festival lights went out. All participating public schools received free routers with a one-year internet subscription, enabling students to continue exploring STEM resources online and encouraging teachers to integrate more digital learning into their lessons.
For Abubakar Wahab, a teacher at Sango Secondary School, the gesture was more than a donation:
“They’ve not just brought the internet to our school—they’ve opened a door to a world of knowledge.”
Celebrating Young Talent
The festival also made space to recognise outstanding young achievers. Akande Destiny won the 9ijakids AI Quiz Corner, taking home ₦100,000, while Olabode Ireoluwa secured a brand-new tablet in a raffle draw. These prizes were not just rewards—they were tools to encourage further learning and exploration.
Why the Ilorin Innovation Hub Matters
The event’s venue, the Ilorin Innovation Hub, is more than just a building. Launched earlier in 2025, it is the largest technology and innovation centre in West Africa, with a capacity for over 1,000 users across 13,000 m² of space. It was created through a public-private partnership between IHS Nigeria, the Kwara State Government, CcHub, and Future Africa.
The Hub offers incubation and acceleration programmes, coworking spaces, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding for startups. Its mission is to turn ideas into viable businesses and curious learners into confident innovators. By hosting STEM Africa Fest, the Hub not only showcased its potential but also reinforced its role as a catalyst for Kwara State’s digital transformation.
A Model for Other States
The success of STEM Africa Fest in Ilorin has sparked conversations about how other Nigerian states can replicate such initiatives. The combination of corporate investment, government support, and hands-on learning created an atmosphere where students felt empowered, teachers felt equipped, and the community saw a clear vision for its technological future.
With Nigeria’s young population among the largest in the world, scaling such programmes could have a profound impact on the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. As Titilope Oguntuga put it, the aim is to ensure that Nigerian youth are not left behind but are instead leading the charge.
Looking Ahead
As the last drone demonstration wound down and the final round of applause echoed through the Hub, one thing was clear: the seeds planted during these two days will continue to grow. With the combination of new skills, continued internet access, and a supportive innovation ecosystem, many of the participants are likely to go on to create solutions that address both local and global challenges.
In the words of Dr. Salau:
“We’ve only just begun. The real work starts when these students take what they’ve learned here and turn it into something that changes lives.”
From the energy in the room, it’s safe to say that the future of tech in Kwara State—and indeed Nigeria—just got a little brighter.
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