Access Bank reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and digital innovation as the major sponsor of the fifth edition of STEM Africa Fest, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Lagos. The event brought together over 3,000 children for a day of immersive learning and creativity centered around the theme: “AI for Good: Solving Real-World Problems.”
As the headline sponsor, Access Bank played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where students explored the frontiers of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The event served as a powerful platform to bridge the digital skills gap and ignite curiosity among Africa’s next generation of innovators.
Students rotated through themed zones designed to make STEAM learning both fun and practical:
- AI Corner: Created animated avatars and explored chatbot technology.
- Robotics Lab: Used robotic arms in simulated surgical tasks.
- Renewable Energy Pavilion: Learned how solar panels generate electricity.
- Electric Vehicle Showcase: Investigated the mechanics of battery-powered cars.
- Flight Simulator Zone: Experienced thrilling virtual flights.
- STEAM Studio: Blended traditional crafts with lessons in digital entrepreneurship.
- Coding Bootcamp: Built simple games and tested AI drawing tools.
- Virtual Reality Lounge: Took immersive journeys through space, history, and marine life.
Volunteers and facilitators ensured smooth coordination as students rotated through the stations, each child receiving a focused and engaging experience.
“It’s like Disney World for tech!” exclaimed a teacher from Ajegunle Unity School, summing up the day’s energy and excitement.
According to Daniel Awe, Group Head of Africa FinTech Foundry (AFF), an Access Bank initiative, the sponsorship is not just a philanthropic gesture but a strategic investment in Africa’s future.
“What you see here today is not just a festival,” Awe noted. “It’s a foundation. Countries like China, the U.S., and Germany didn’t become global leaders by chance — they invested in their youth. And it began with early education in science and technology.”
Titi Adewusi, Co-convener of STEM Africa Fest, emphasized the long-term vision: “This is more than a one-day event — it’s a movement to raise problem solvers, innovators, and thinkers who will shape Africa’s future.”
Kosiso Iwugo, Programme Manager for Education at Access Holdings, added: “Tech and AI are shaping everything — from banking to agriculture, security education. We want these children to grow up not intimidated by technology, but inspired by it.”
Since its inception, STEM Africa Fest has impacted over 20,000 children across the continent. While the 2025 edition was held in Lagos, previous events and outreach programmes have reached young learners in Abuja, Ilorin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Zambia, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Access Bank’s sponsorship of STEM Africa Fest 2025 underscores its commitment to nurturing talent, promoting digital literacy, and building a future where African youth are equipped to thrive in a technology-driven world.0