The importance of STEM to future economic prosperity and innovation cannot be underestimated. Young children with a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will go on to play an integral role in our nation’s global competitiveness and economic stability.
In 2021, the maiden virtual STEAM Fair was launched over 1,300 children in attendance from within and outside Nigeria. It is mind boggling, as having over 1000 children at a virtual event is a feat in need of a space in the Guinness book of records! The feedback and engagement proved that it was a much-needed event. The organisers were overwhelmed with appreciation from children and parents for taking the initiative to meet and exceed their needs.
This year, the largest STEAM Fun Fest in Africa is scheduled for 23rd of July 2022 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme, “STEAM From Classroom to the Real World”, will be exploring various aspects of STEAM including Robotics, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Coding, Animation, Graphics Design, Games, and Fun Science experiments. The aim of this event is to “spark” a love for STEAM education (STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).
Titi Adewusi, one of the organisers of the STEAM Fun Fest said that the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—or STEAM—help children develop the diverse set of problem-solving and digital skills they will need for the future of work. STEAM is the foundation for modern-day economic growth and equipping young children with the required skills is critical if Nigeria wants to fully reap the benefits of a digital economy.
The speakers for this year includes Tele Aina (Meta), Nkem Begho (FutureSoft) ,Oluwaseun Hamzat (Kibo School), Tolu Olowofoyeku (Kugali Media),Kunle Adenmosun (Insights), Oremeyi Akah (Interswitch),Golibe Eze-Echesi (54 Gene), Emmanuel Oyelakin (Esports Association), Tomide Odusote, Hugo Obi (Maliyo Games ), Martha Alade (WITIN), Michelle Ijomah( Agnes Health), Mary Jane (digital illustrator and robotics engineer) and many more.
The event also showed true collaboration at work with four Edtech Companies (Jadesola Adedeji of STEM-MET, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu of Edufun Technik, Titi Adewusi of 9ijakids and Wale Ogunjobi of SabiTeach) and the Lagos STEAM UP initiative chaired by Adetola Salua the Senior Special Assistant on Education to the Lagos State Governor coming together to organize this record-breaking event.
Plans are already in the works as this year STEAM Funfest will be bigger and better. It is a FREE event and open to all schools, parents and children in Lagos. Children outside Lagos can still be part of the event as the event will be streamed live.
Visit steamfest.9ijakids.com to register or call +234 802 893 6065 for more info