Kogi STEMQuest Targets STEM Myths, Seeks to Inspire More Young Innovators

The Kogi State Government, through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Hon. Nanahawa Yetunde Kazeem, has unveiled KOGI STEMQuest, a statewide initiative aimed at changing perceptions about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among children.

The programme, developed in partnership with the EmpowerNest Foundation (ENF), is designed to make STEM more practical, accessible and engaging for learners from primary through secondary school.

At the centre of the initiative is an attempt to challenge the long-standing perception that STEM subjects are meant only for academically gifted students.

Speaking at the unveiling, Kazeem, who is also the project lead, said the belief that STEM was reserved for the exceptionally brilliant had discouraged many children from discovering their abilities and considering careers in science, engineering and technology.

“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 said every child is born curious and has the potential to create, innovate and solve problems, but many have not had the opportunity to experience STEM in practical and inspiring ways.

“It is this narrative that KOGI STEMQuest seeks to change,” she said.

The initiative will complement conventional classroom instruction with project-based learning, giving learners opportunities to build, experiment, investigate, create and solve real-world problems.

According to the organisers, KOGI STEMQuest will operate through a competency-based STEMQuest curriculum, teacher capacity development, STEM Clubs, STEM Innovation Kits and an annual Innovation Challenge.

It will also include a Girls in STEM initiative, university and industry mentorship, as well as a structured monitoring and evaluation framework.

Kazeem said the programme was intended to help learners move beyond memorising concepts and instead experience STEM through practical activities.

“We want children to move beyond memorising concepts to actually experiencing them—to build, experiment, create, innovate and solve problems,” she said.

She added that practical exposure could help learners develop not only new skills but also greater confidence in their ability to create and solve problems.

“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,” Kazeem said.

She described the initiative as a commitment to ensuring that STEM is available to every curious child and eager 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.

KOGI STEMQuest is being implemented under the supervision of the Kogi State Ministry of Education, led by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB.

The initiative aligns with the education transformation agenda of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, which has continued to prioritise education through sustained investment, expanded access and policies aimed at preparing young people for future opportunities.

Following the unveiling, Kazeem is expected to begin statewide engagements with government agencies, tertiary institutions, development partners and corporate organisations.

The engagements will focus on mobilising strategic partnerships through sponsorship, mentorship, equipment donations and technical support to advance practical STEM education across Kogi State.

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