More than 700 students and 130 teachers in Kwara State have received hands-on training in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, coding, and other emerging technologies at the 2026 edition of the STEM Africa Fest held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.
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The two-day programme, held on July 2 and July 4, was organised by STEM Africa Fest in partnership with IHS Nigeria and the Kwara State Government as part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with future-ready digital skills.
According to the organisers, STEM Africa Fest is Africa’s largest annual STEM gathering for children aged 7 to 15 and has impacted more than 25,000 children across nine African cities since its launch in 2021.
The organisers said the festival’s return to Ilorin reflects a shared commitment by IHS Nigeria and the Kwara State Government to expand access to quality education/">Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across Nigeria.
The event commenced with a Mini AI Bootcamp, where 126 secondary school students received practical training on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools to develop websites and interactive games.
The organisers disclosed that the hands-on sessions introduced participants to real-world applications of AI, with one student successfully designing a website for a proposed business during the training.
Running alongside the boot camp was a STEM Teacher Training Programme, which equipped 130 teachers from schools across Kwara State with learner-centred teaching methods and practical classroom strategies aimed at improving science and technology education.
According to the organisers, empowering teachers is critical to expanding the programme’s long-term impact, as the knowledge acquired will be transferred to thousands of students across participating schools.
The festival also featured more than 20 interactive exhibition booths showcasing robotics, coding, drone technology, virtual reality, 3D printing, engineering design, and other emerging technologies. Students actively participated by building, programming, and testing projects under the guidance of industry experts.
A fireside chat on “The Role of Regulation in Shaping the Future of Technology“ was delivered by Saidu Abdullahi, Director of Regulatory Affairs at IHS Nigeria, while Dr. Adetola Salau, Special Adviser, presented goodwill messages to the Minister of Education, and Dr. Rasheed Ajao, who represented the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe.
The event also featured a panel discussion on “Will AI Replace Humans?“, with experts exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the future of work.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, said the company’s investment in STEM education is aimed at preparing young Nigerians for careers in an increasingly digital economy.
“At IHS Nigeria, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to develop the skills needed to thrive in the future. Through initiatives like STEM Africa Fest, we are investing in young minds and helping to build a generation equipped to solve real-world challenges through technology,” she said.
Also speaking, the Co-Convener of STEM Africa Fest and Co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi, described the programme as a platform for nurturing the next generation of innovators and technology leaders.
She noted that exposing hundreds of children to AI, robotics, coding, and engineering within a single weekend demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities that inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Teachers and students who participated in the programme commended the initiative, describing it as an eye-opening experience that strengthened interest in STEM education and innovation.
The organisers announced that the next edition of STEM Africa Fest will be held in Lagos on July 18, 2026, where more than 3,500 children, 15 innovation laboratories, and over 50 exhibitors are expected to participate.
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