Connect with us

Education

SCSC, KFSD, GIZ Empower Young Nigerians Through 2025 STEM Construction Summer Camp in Jos, Abuja

Published

on

Joel Ajayi

The Kaiser Foundation for Social Development (KFSD), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, has concluded the 2025 edition of the STEM Construction Summer Camp (SCSC), held in Jos and Abuja, with the goal of empowering young Nigerians with practical STEM and construction skills.

The camp, implemented under GIZ’s Skills Development for Youth Employment programme on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, provided participants with hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world applications in the construction industry.

Launched in 2016 by KFSD, the initiative is designed to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while building pathways to technical and vocational education.

This year’s camp was hosted at the Government Science and Technical College, Bukuru, Jos, and later at the Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Abuja, with additional participation from students of Government Science and Technical College, Orozo.

Students engaged in interactive construction projects, career talks, and team-based activities that developed their problem-solving and technical skills. They also benefited from direct mentorship by industry professionals, bridging classroom knowledge with practical experience.

The 2025 edition was further strengthened through private sector support from Construction Kaiser Limited, M&E Kaiser Limited, Lafarge Africa PLC, Delano Architects, PERI, Consol Associates, Arup, CA Consultants, Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), SABC Ltd, Gwale Global Resources Ltd, and Urban Shelter Ltd. Their involvement underscored the importance of industry collaboration in promoting sustainable vocational development.

Speaking on the initiative, KFSD Founder, Engr. Igbuan Okaisabor, highlighted the camp’s long-term vision. “The future of Nigeria’s construction industry depends on how well we prepare the next generation today. Through the STEM Construction Summer Camp, we expose students to opportunities in STEM while equipping them with skills and knowledge that will shape their future careers,” he said.

Architect Emmanuel of Delano Architects echoed the sentiment, stressing that investment in TVET and practical training is essential to unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians in construction and engineering.

The success of the 2025 SCSC reinforces the value of public-private collaboration in advancing STEM and TVET education. By empowering students with relevant skills, KFSD, GIZ, and their partners are not only preparing the next generation for meaningful careers but also contributing to Nigeria’s broader goals of job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Continue Reading

Education

Inclusive Education Boost as Deaf-Tech, Federal University of Lafia Roll Out Master’s in Disability Studies

Published

on

Joel Ajayi

In a major step toward advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, Deaf-in-Tech, an initiative of Data-Lead Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to establish a Professional Master’s Degree in Disability Studies.

The signing ceremony, held at Deaf-in-Tech’s headquarters in Abuja, featured a goodwill message from Prof. Adaka Terfa Ahon, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who represented FULAFIA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to championing disability and inclusion in its academic innovation and planning.

The new Master’s programme will adopt a hybrid learning model, with online classes complemented by in-person sessions at Deaf-in-Tech’s training facility in Abuja. It is designed to build expertise in disability-inclusive governance, education, and development across sectors.

Executive Director of Deaf-in-Tech and Co-Founder of Data-Lead Africa, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, described the collaboration as a “structural shift” in how institutions and professionals engage with disability issues. “The inclusion journey must begin with knowledge, and we are proud to partner with a progressive university like FULAFIA,” he said.

Beyond the postgraduate programme, the partnership will also establish a Deaf-in-Tech Club on FULAFIA’s campus — the first of its kind — to empower Deaf students with technology skills, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. Additional initiatives include a ₦1 million academic excellence reward for any Deaf student who graduates with a First Class, as well as the development of a disability-accessible website and digital database for the Centre for Disability Studies, built to WCAG 2.1 global accessibility standards.

The alliance underscores both institutions’ commitment to building inclusive systems and celebrating excellence, while positioning Deaf-in-Tech as a catalyst for bridging the gap between disability and the digital economy.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)