NNPC STEM education gap widens as the company warns that 18.4 million Nigerian children lack access to science and technology learning

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has raised concerns over a growing education crisis, warning that approximately 18.4 million Nigerian children remain without access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics education, a development it says could undermine the country’s sustainable development ambitions.

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The warning was issued by Emmanuella Arukwe during the “Battle of the Energy Titans” awards ceremony organised by the NNPC Foundation in partnership with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Young Innovators Solving Energy Poverty,” Arukwe said the scale of the educational shortfall poses a serious challenge to Nigeria’s efforts to achieve key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to innovation, economic growth and energy access.

“The reality is that over 18.4 million children in Nigeria still lack access to STEAM education. That is a gap we cannot ignore,” she said.

Arukwe noted that Nigeria’s youthful population presents a powerful opportunity to nurture future innovators capable of tackling energy poverty and contributing to the global energy transition.

With more than 80 million Nigerians aged between 10 and 24, she said the country possesses a vast pool of talent that can drive technological advancement if provided with the right educational opportunities.

Addressing the NNPC STEM Education Gap, Arukwe explained that the foundation has continued to invest in programmes focused on education, health, environmental sustainability and energy access, all aimed at supporting national development goals.

She disclosed that more than 500 young Nigerians have already benefited from various empowerment initiatives designed to equip them with skills for entrepreneurship and employment.

According to her, projects such as the STEM Book Project, National Youth Service Corps empowerment programmes and climate-smart agriculture training are helping to build capacity among young people while promoting long-term sustainability.

Arukwe also highlighted the success of the “Battle of the Energy Titans” competition, describing it as a powerful platform for showcasing the ingenuity of Nigerian students.

Participants presented a range of innovative solutions, including solar-powered technologies, clean cooking systems, mini-grid projects and waste-to-energy innovations.

“The competition is raising a new generation of energy entrepreneurs who are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to lead Africa’s energy future,” she said.

Representing the presidency at the event, Sunday Asefon Dayo, through his technical assistant Bolanle Wellington, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He acknowledged that energy poverty remains a significant obstacle to education, productivity and economic development but expressed optimism about the role of young innovators in addressing the challenge.

“The future of Nigeria will not be built by resources alone, it will be built by the minds we prepare today,” he said.

He commended both the NNPC Foundation and OLOGED for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and energy literacy among students.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Energy on Wheels Project, an initiative designed to deliver energy education and practical demonstrations to schools and underserved communities across the country.

In the competition, Premier Academy emerged overall winner, while Nigeria-Korea Model School finished second and Government Science Secondary School secured third place.

The winning schools received cash prizes and other rewards in recognition of their innovative projects.

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The latest warning over the NNPC STEM Education Gap underscores growing concerns among education and development stakeholders that millions of Nigerian children risk being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.