In a major boost to science and technology education in Kwara State, IHS Nigeria, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and STEAM UP Kwara, is set to host Africa’s largest children’s STEM festival, titled “STEM Africa Fest” in Ilorin for the first time.
The event, billed for Saturday, July 26, 2025, will take place at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, which has been described as the biggest innovation hub of its kind in West Africa.
Now in its fifth year, STEM Africa Fest has made waves across the continent, igniting curiosity and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in over 20,000 children, educators, and families in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Gambia, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.
This year’s theme, “AI for Good,” aims to inspire children between the ages of 7 and 16 to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to solve real-world problems and create a brighter future.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of preparations for the event, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development, said the festival represents a transformative opportunity for children in Kwara State.
“This festival is about breaking barriers and sparking dreams. Our goal is to make sure that every child — regardless of background — knows they can become inventors, scientists, and leaders in technology.
“We are proud to bring this life-changing experience to Ilorin. We believe in empowering our children to imagine, innovate, and impact their world positively,” she said.
Titi Adewusi, co-creator of STEM Africa Fest and founder of 9ijakids, noted that the choice of Ilorin for this year’s edition underlines the organizers’ commitment to extending STEM education to underserved regions.
“We have seen the transformative power of hands-on STEM learning in Lagos, Abuja, and beyond. Bringing this festival to Ilorin means more children will get the chance to build robots, code apps, experiment with AI, and understand that they can shape the future,” Adewusi told newsmen.
Activities lined up for the festival include interactive STEM workshops such Science experiments, Coding, 3D printing, Robotics, Virtual Reality, drone soccer, panel discussions with industry leaders, and technology showcases designed to make learning exciting and accessible.
The Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, stressed the importance of introducing children early to digital technology, especially artificial intelligence, which he said is “reshaping the world and opening new opportunities.”
“These children are our future innovators and leaders. There’s no better time than now to engage their minds and prepare them for the digital economy,” Otunla stated.
Organizers expressed hope that the Ilorin edition of STEM Africa Fest will not only ignite curiosity but also plant seeds of innovation that will continue to grow across Kwara State and Nigeria.
