The Kogi State Government has launched a new statewide STEM education initiative aimed at giving pupils and students greater exposure to practical learning, innovation and problem-solving.
The programme, known as KOGI STEMQuest, was unveiled by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Hon. Nanahawa Yetunde Kazeem, in partnership with the EmpowerNest Foundation (ENF).
KOGI STEMQuest is designed to complement conventional classroom instruction by giving learners opportunities to build, experiment, investigate, create and develop solutions to real-world problems. The initiative will cover learners from primary through secondary school and will be delivered through a competency-based STEMQuest curriculum, teacher capacity development, STEM Clubs, STEM Innovation Kits and an annual Innovation Challenge.
The programme also includes a Girls in STEM component, university and industry mentorship, and a structured monitoring and evaluation framework. According to the organisers, the approach is intended to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) more accessible, engaging and relevant to learners across Kogi State.
“Beyond Memorising Concepts”
Speaking on the initiative, Kazeem, who is the project lead, said the programme was driven by the need to expose children to STEM in ways that go beyond note learning.
“We want children to move beyond memorising concepts to actually experiencing them, to build, experiment, create, innovate and solve problems,” she said.
She identified one of the biggest challenges facing STEM education as the widespread belief that it is reserved only for exceptionally gifted students — a perception she said has discouraged many children from discovering their true capabilities.
“One of the greatest misconceptions in our education system is that STEM is only for the exceptionally brilliant. I believe that has discouraged far too many children from discovering what they are truly capable of,” she said.
Kazeem noted that every child has the potential to create, innovate and solve problems, provided they are given the opportunity to explore and engage with STEM in practical and inspiring ways. She said KOGI STEMQuest was designed to change that narrative and help learners build confidence alongside technical and problem-solving skills.
“We believe that when learners experience STEM in practical and exciting ways, they don’t just develop new skills; they begin to see themselves differently,” she said.
She added that the initiative seeks to make STEM accessible to every curious child and young learner willing to ask questions, explore ideas and discover solutions.
“Our mission is to demystify STEM by making it engaging, practical, accessible, and enjoyable for all learners,” she said.
Government Backing and Next Steps
KOGI STEMQuest is being implemented under the supervision of the Kogi State Ministry of Education. The initiative aligns with the education transformation agenda of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, which has prioritised education through sustained investment, expanded access and policies aimed at preparing young people for future opportunities.
Following the unveiling, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education is expected to begin statewide engagements with government agencies, tertiary institutions, development partners and corporate organisations. These engagements are expected to facilitate strategic partnerships involving sponsorship, mentorship, equipment donations and technical support for practical STEM education across Kogi State.
