Importance of STEM Education

Growing up, I was always the curious kid. You can imagine me as the child who would ask endless ‘whys.’ You will find me dismantling toys and gadgets I could see around me and trying to build them from scratch. Indeed, I was fascinated by how things worked.?

This curiosity was my first connection to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It was the spark that eventually led me into the world of technology and innovation and ultimately to founding Moniepoint, where I get to see the transformative impact of technology every day.

Today, as a business leader, I am even more convinced that STEM education is essential for shaping the future of individuals and our society.?

The Unseen Value of STEM Education

STEM isn’t just about numbers and equations. Instead, I see it as a way of thinking and problem-solving. It equips individuals with the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and adapt to change.?

?A strong STEM education teaches students how to analyze complex challenges, develop creative solutions, and turn ideas into actions that make a difference. In a world that is becoming more technologically driven every day, these skills are essential not only for personal success but for building stronger communities and societies.

Countries that invest in STEM education reap extraordinary benefits. They become hubs for innovation, where businesses thrive, new industries emerge, and solutions to societal challenges take shape. By equipping young people with STEM skills, we’re not only helping them secure stable and fulfilling careers but also creating a foundation of thinkers and doers who can drive economic growth and address issues that impact our daily lives, from healthcare to energy and beyond.

Why Nigeria Needs to Invest in STEM Education Now

Our world is becoming more digital and interconnected by the day, and countries that do not invest in STEM will be left behind. In Nigeria, for example, the potential for STEM education to catalyze progress is enormous. Yet, like many other African nations, we face challenges in making STEM accessible to all. Lack of resources, outdated curricula, and limited opportunities for hands-on learning leave many students with little exposure to the skills they’ll need to thrive in a technology-driven world.

STEM education is particularly critical for Nigeria because it is key to addressing some of our biggest challenges. From energy access to healthcare and sustainable agriculture to digital inclusion, a robust STEM-educated workforce is essential for powering industries and developing homegrown solutions to meet our unique needs.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, there is also a more profound, long-term impact. By investing in STEM education, we can cultivate a generation capable of creating solutions that address our unique challenges, such as sustainable agriculture, healthcare innovations, advances in financial technology, etc.?

?It encourages individuals to take charge of solving their problems, which is the first step toward self-reliance on a national scale. And when individuals feel empowered to innovate, entire communities benefit.

STEM Education is a Shared Responsibility

The government and educational institutions play crucial roles in shaping the quality and accessibility of STEM education. However, STEM education is not solely the responsibility of the education sector. Business leaders, private companies, and communities must also be active participants. For example, companies benefit directly from a highly skilled workforce and have a role to play in preparing that workforce by investing in STEM initiatives and supporting educational infrastructure.

In our work at Moniepoint Group, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of STEM knowledge in building technological solutions that empower communities and small businesses. This is why I’m so committed to STEM education.?

The Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation recently partnered with Moniepoint Group to refurbish the CAD & CAM lab in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Obafemi Awolowo University, creating an environment where students can gain hands-on experience. But this is just one small piece of what’s needed. Business leaders across sectors must prioritize and invest in similar projects to make a real difference.

Similarly, the government must fund and support quality STEM education at all levels, especially in underserved areas. Policymakers can improve education infrastructure, develop targeted STEM programs, and partner with private organizations to increase access and quality. We can close the gap that limits young Nigerians’ access to these crucial fields by working together.

Imagine a Nigeria, or even Africa, where every young person can engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics meaningfully. In such a society, young people would be empowered to drive change, creating solutions that benefit their communities and make life better for others. This could mean the development of sustainable agriculture methods that feed our growing population, clean energy solutions that power our cities, or medical technologies that improve healthcare outcomes for millions.

STEM education holds the power to make these possibilities a reality. It creates pathways for young people to enter high-demand, high-impact fields and ensures that they can actively shape the future of our continent. Moreover, investing in STEM education creates role models and mentors who inspire the next generation, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and resilience.

Let’s Invest in Our Greatest Resources

For our nation to reach its full potential, we must make a deliberate and collective effort to prioritize STEM education. To business leaders, the future of our economy and society depends on the skills and innovations of tomorrow’s workforce. Investing in STEM is an investment in the future of our companies and industries.?

To government leaders, ensure that education policies support widespread access to STEM opportunities. And to everyone who wants to make a difference, STEM education isn’t just about science and numbers; it’s about empowering people to take charge of their futures.

STEM education is not just a way to create job opportunities but a path to economic empowerment, self-reliance, and national progress. Nigeria’s youth represent our greatest resource, and by equipping them with STEM skills, we give them the power to transform their lives and shape the future of our country.

As we move forward, I am committed to doing my part to promote STEM and support its growth in Nigeria. This isn’t just a professional mission; it is a personal one, rooted in the belief that every young Nigerian deserves the chance to innovate, dream big, and achieve.

Let us build a future where STEM education opens doors for all and where Nigeria and Africa stand as hubs of innovation and progress. Together, we can make that vision a reality.