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Receives STEM education items donated by ExxonMobil Foundation, PanAfricare, TechWomen
From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has praised the launch of the INSPIRE Project, aimed at transforming Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in secondary schools.
The INSPIRE Project, an acronym that means Innovation, STEM, and Partnerships for Inclusive and Relevant Education, was launched in Bauchi on Thursday.
The project will be implemented by PanAfricare, an independent non-profit organisation, in collaboration with TechWomen Nigeria, a network of Nigerian women in STEM who are past fellows of the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious TechWomen programme, with funding from ExxonMobil Foundation.
Mohammed, who spoke at the launch of the INSPIRE Project and delivery of STEM education items donated to the state government by PanAfricare and TechWomen, assured the support and collaboration of the administration to ensure the success of the project.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Power, Science and Technology, Abdulkadir Usman Modibbo, explained that his administration has prioritised and identified STEM courses as pillars for the future growth and development of the state.
“This initiative represents more than just the provision of tools—it symbolises hope, empowerment, and a renewed commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders. In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, access to quality STEM education is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” he said.
“The INSPIRE Project’s dedication to bridging educational gaps and creating opportunities for our youth is both commendable and inspiring. These materials will go a long way in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to compete and thrive in a dynamic global landscape.
“Over time, the state has featured students in many innovative competitions such as JETS, and has won trophies for a number of innovations and creativity, even with mere scraps. Technology kits such as these will certainly inspire us to do more. Besides, the state has done a lot in supporting STEM education, and is doing much more through school facilities’ upgrades and renovations. Thanks to the World Bank, AGILE, and other partner organisations such as the INSPIRE Project, which is right here today.”
Shortly after receiving STEM education gifts, on behalf of the governor, Modibbo, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Professor Simon Yalams, assured the commitment of the ministry to partner with organisations to advance STEM education and inspire students to become inventors, coders, engineers, and future problem-solvers.
Daily Sun reports that the INSPIRE project is being implemented in six states—Abia, Bauchi, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a welcome address, PanAfricare Country Director, Dr Patrick Adah, was optimistic that the INSPIRE project, a national initiative designed to transform STEM education in Nigerian secondary schools, would address existing resource and performance gaps in science and technology in secondary schools in Bauchi State.
Adah, who was represented by Benjamin Igber, PanAfricare Representative in Bauchi, explained that the launch was a testament to Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration’s commitment to revolutionising STEM education in the state.
“It is with great pleasure that the INSPIRE project implementing partners—ExxonMobil Foundation, TechWomen, and PanAfricare—embarked on this journey to transform STEM education in Bauchi State,” he said.
Adah said the event marked a significant milestone, coming just seven days after Vice President Kashim Shettima kicked off the national launch in Abuja.
“We are simultaneously launching this project in Kaduna State today (Thursday, June 5) and will soon be doing the same in Lagos, Abia, and Rivers States,” he said.
“The INSPIRE project aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s vision for STEM education in Nigeria and aims at enhancing academic performance in science subjects and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers.”
He said the INSPIRE Project in Bauchi provides the schools, teachers, and students with innovative opportunities to be involved in hands-on engagement with real-world applications that make learning more relevant and rewarding.
He urged the benefiting schools to maximise the use of the science kits and innovative tools being donated, adding that the resources would empower teachers and students to achieve the project’s objectives.
In her remarks, President of TechWomen Nigeria, Carolyn Seaman, expressed gratitude to ExxonMobil Foundation for funding the INSPIRE Project and for believing in the transformative power of STEM education.
Seaman, who was represented by Damilola Anwo-Ade, Lead Programme Manager of the INSPIRE Project/TechWomen, said her organisation comprised engineers, scientists, educators, tech entrepreneurs, and innovators—united by a shared mission to give back, to uplift, and to inspire.
“We remain committed to using our skills, experiences, and networks to empower the next generation—especially girls and marginalised youth—to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” Seaman said.
“Through the INSPIRE project, we are bringing our global exposure, technical expertise, and passion for inclusion into classrooms where young minds will now have the opportunity to dream bigger, learn better, and compete globally.”
Chioma Chukwudi Chukwu, State Lead, the INSPIRE Project in Bauchi, expressed belief that the launch of the project would inspire young minds to learn to use tools such as robotic kits, laptops, and 3D printers, among others, and compete with other children globally.
She disclosed that 100 students and 15 teachers will benefit respectively from the implementation of the INSPIRE project in Bauchi State.
“Government Day Technical, Bauchi, and General Hassan Usman Unity College, Bauchi, were the two schools selected for the project in Bauchi State, with 50 students selected from each,” she said.
“The target is to train them, build projects with what they have been trained on, and with the best among them, we hope to go to Abuja for the national competition of all the students that have been trained in different states,” she said.
She disclosed that a three-day training was organised for 15 teachers selected from the two schools in the state for the INSPIRE project.
Also, in a goodwill message, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, who was represented by Alhaji Jayatu Musa Muhammad, the Baraden Kudun Bauchi, praised the launch of the INSPIRE project in the state.
The monarch expressed the willingness of the traditional institutions to support the expansion of the project to every community in the state, saying it was a gesture worth emulating and supporting.
