St Helen’s Unity Secondary School, Ondo emerged winner of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Quiz competition held at Independence Grammar School, Ondo, on Thursday.
The competition, sponsored by the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation, featured no fewer than 16 secondary schools in Ondo West and Ondo East Local Government Areas of the state.
St. Joseph’s College emerged first runner-up while Independence Grammar School was second runner-up.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation, Mr Olabanji Fawehinmi said the competition aimed to ignite a passion for learning about transitions from renewable energy to artificial intelligence, biomedical breakthroughs to sustainable agriculture.
He stressed that the foundation was committed to expanding access to STEM education, especially for girls and marginalised children.
Fawehinmi said, “Today is not just another day in the calendar, it is a day of inspiration, empowerment and vision; a day when we celebrate young minds, the beauty of curiosity and the power of science, technology, engineering and mathematics collectively known as STEM.
“Beyond the quiz and the trophies, we are planting seeds; seeds of confidence, creativity and courage in each student who participates, because we know that inside every child is a genius waiting to be discovered.
“Our commitment has always been to invest in the lives of young people, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities because we understand that no society can rise above the quality of its education.”
Describing education as the most powerful tool to unlock the future of the nation, he called on governments, private organisations and individuals to join hands with foundations to improve the education sector.
He expressed the commitment of the foundation to do more for the students’ development by assisting the indigent ones.
“We are investing in digital literacy, equipping schools with resources and creating platforms for mentorship and innovation,” he said.
He further called on the Federal Government and Ondo State Government to invest more in the education sector.
“We invite the government, private sector, alumni and community leaders to join us in this mission because, when we invest in the youth, we invest in the future of Ondo, Nigeria and Africa in general.”
“We are also calling on the government to invest more in the educational sector to unlock the hidden talents and their creativity,” Fawehinmi stated.
In his remarks, the Director of Programs of the foundation, Mr Joshua Aremu affirmed the foundation’s dedication to community development and youth empowerment.
Aremu said, “This STEM quiz competition symbolises the beginning of GFF’s ambitious and transformative journey into the realm of STEM education.
“We believe passionately that science, technology, engineering and mathematics are not merely academic disciplines but the bedrock of innovation, the engine of national progress and the key to unlocking a prosperous future for Nigeria. Through STEM, we equip our youth not only to adapt to a changing world but to lead it.”