Connect with us

Business and Brand

More investment in STEM education needed to boost Nigeria’s socio-economic development

Published

on

Cad Lab Pic 3L-R Board Member, Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation, Oyinlola Eniolorunda; Israel Eniolorunda; and Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Adebayo Bamire at the commissioning of the Tosin Eniolorunda CAD/CAM laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

In a move aimed at advancing STEM education and fostering technological innovation in Nigeria, the Mechanical Engineering Department of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife received a substantial investment as the Tosin Eniolorunda Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) laboratory was unveiled at the University’s campus. The gesture which is in alignment with Moniepoint’s corporate social responsibility ethos is designed to significantly contribute to efforts aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s foundation in the very important area of science and technology while making subjects such as prototyping, design and engineering in general easier, participatory and enjoyable for students. With the recent rise in the global tech industry, stakeholders aver that investment in STEM education will drive the socio-economic development of Africa and Nigeria, particularly. However, with a burgeoning population where over 60% of Africa’s population are still under 25, a recent survey shows that less than 25% of African students in secondary and tertiary institutions pursue STEM-related career fields. At a ceremony to commission the facility, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire expressed his profound gratitude over the philanthropic donation by Moniepoint and Tosin Eniolorunda, co-founder of Moniepoint, who’s an alumnus of OAU’s Mechanical Engineering Department. He noted that many tertiary institutions across the country suffered from paucity of funds which in turn has led to infrastructural challenges, while encouraging other alumni to not only emulate this culture of giving back but also join hands to support worthy causes within the university.

Cad Lab Pic 1The Tosin Eniolorunda CAD/CAM laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

“We are really very grateful for this laboratory considering that we are almost phasing out some of these things as a result of paucity of funds. This has to do with the yearnings which will also improve the livelihoods of our people, especially the students. So when we have an organization that has come in to meet our needs, we can only say thank you. This laboratory will help improve and enhance a lot of things within the University for students and staff and also drive collaboration between the academia and industry,” he said. Tosin Eniolorunda, commenting on the donation, stated, “this newly revamped lab represents more than just an upgrade, it stands as part of a personal commitment to foster a generation of engineers and innovators who are not only skilled, but also inspired to think critically and creatively about real-world problems. A catalyst for innovation for the next generation of engineers and technologists who will drive Nigeria’s economic growth and advancement. By investing in STEM education and providing access to platforms like this lab, we’re laying the critical rails for the emergence of leaders, innovators, and changemakers that Nigeria needs.”Furthermore he thanked the University community for its continued dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation for learning and culture while adding that the future of engineering and technology in Nigeria is bright because of the young talents within the ivory tower.The upgrade includes renovation of the existing laboratory space with cutting-edge facilities that include the provision of high-performance desktop computers and laptops, electronic board for interactive learning, laboratory furniture, supply and installation of sustainable power solutions and advanced cooling systems. These state-of-the-art resources will provide students with hands-on experience in the latest CAD/CAM technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of mechanical engineering.Dean, Faculty of Technology, Prof. Lasisi Umoru noted that the revamped facility will increase research capabilities and output in CAD/CAM technologies, improve graduates’ employability in the global job market, and serve as a model for STEM education facilities across Nigeria.The commissioning ceremony which attracted dignitaries from within and outside the University included Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. M. Babalola, DVC, Administration – Prof. Adaramola, DVC Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Akinyemi, Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof Adesina, Chairman, Ceremonials Committee, Prof Adekola, Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Obayopo, Retired Prof of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Adekoya, Chairman Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Osun state chapter, Ademola Adesoji and Special Assistant to the Osun state governor on ICT, Sola Isola, Oyinlola Eniolorunda and Israel Eniolorunda as well as Head of Partnerships, Moniepoint Inc, Efemena Ogie, Employee Branding Lead, Gbemi Adekanmbi amongst others.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business and Brand

Coalition Delivers Nationwide Environmental Action Across 12 Locations on World Environment Day 2026

Published

on

By

Nestlé Nigeria, working alongside coalition partners, has completed the 2026 World Environment Day community sensitization and clean-up campaign across 12 locations nationwide, bringing together volunteers, communities and stakeholders in coordinated action to support environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.Speaking on the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé Nigeria, said: “Environmental progress is most sustainable when communities see themselves as active participants rather than observers. What encouraged us most this year was not only the volume of waste recovered, but the willingness of volunteers, partners and community members to work together towards a shared goal. Lasting environmental progress depends on that sense of collective ownership, and it is often through small actions taken together that meaningful change begins.”Through the efforts of 424 volunteers across the 12 locations, a total of 4,507.8kg of solid waste and 48.2kg of recyclable waste was recovered, according to reports from the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN). The recovered waste was channelled through appropriate recycling and disposal pathways, contributing to cleaner public spaces and supporting broader efforts to reduce waste leakage into the environment.The nationwide activation was driven by Nestlé Cares volunteers, the company’s employee volunteering programme, alongside volunteers from the 15 organisations participating in the coalition unveiled ahead of World Environment Day. Across Lagos, Abuja, Agbara, Jos, Kano, Enugu, Awka, Ota, Abaji, Sagamu, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, volunteers worked alongside community members in structured clean-up and sensitization activities designed to strengthen environmental awareness and encourage responsible waste management practices.The initiative was delivered through a coordinated multi-stakeholder framework, bringing together government institutions, regulators, industry platforms, development partners and recyclers to support implementation and ensure alignment with national environmental priorities.At the Abuja activation, the Honourable Minister of Environment was represented by the Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Adeola Omotunde who noted: “Addressing environmental challenges requires consistent action at all levels. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how government, private sector and communities can work together to drive responsible environmental practices and deliver real impact.”The representative of the Country Manager of the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP), Mrs. Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, said: “Nigeria’s plastic pollution challenge requires bold, collaborative action, and this initiative demonstrates the value of bringing together communities, partners and the private sector around a shared goal. We are proud to have supported this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance circular economy solutions that create environmental and economic value.”As Nestlé Nigeria continues to work with partners, communities and stakeholders to create shared value, the initiative demonstrates how collective action can contribute to cleaner environments, stronger waste recovery systems and more sustainable communities. The company remains committed to supporting collaborative approaches that help advance circular economy outcomes across Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Business and Brand

MILO Recovers over 1 Million Wrappers Through Elevate Recycling Initiative

Published

on

By

More than 60,000 children across 100 primary schools in Lagos State recovered over 1 million used MILO wrappers through the MILO Elevate Recycling Initiative to mark World Environment Day 2026. The Initiative combined sustainability education with a school-based recycling competition. In addition to the collection of used wrappers, the children received lessons on responsible waste management and practical exposure to recycling and circularity principles. For 26 years, MILO has contributed to youth development through grassroots sports programmes. Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, the brand is extending its commitment to nurturing future champions beyond the values of sports, by helping children develop environmental awareness and positive sustainability habits. Speaking at the awards ceremony on World Environment Day, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, MILO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said, “At MILO, we believe that nurturing children includes helping them build the values, habits and mindset needed to thrive and make a positive contribution to society. Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, we are encouraging children to understand that small everyday actions can create meaningful environmental impact. Just as we have inspired generations of future sports champions, we are proud to contribute to raising future climate champions.”Commenting on the initiative, Stephen Avoseh, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said, “Implementing this initiative through schools creates an opportunity for children to learn about environmental responsibility and share these lessons with their families and communities. Schools play an important role in building lasting awareness and positive environmental habits.”The behavioural impact of the initiative was also evident among participating pupils. Treasure John told us that the programme deepened her understanding of how improper waste disposal contributes to environmental pollution and flooding, while encouraging her to adopt more responsible waste management habits.In a practical demonstration of how materials that might otherwise be considered as waste can be recovered and given a new purpose, the Rotaract District 9112 led an upcycling project that transformed the recovered wrappers into 1,013 items including school bags, lunch bags and pencil cases. These items were donated to participating schools and awarded to top-performing pupils. The success of the Elevate Recycling Initiative reinforces MILO’s conviction that deepening environmental education and encouraging responsible waste management practices among children and communities can support a circular economy. It also contributes to Nestlé Nigeria’s broader sustainability and circularity agenda to build the awareness, values and behaviours needed to achieve and protect a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Continue Reading

Business and Brand

TomTom Continues to Back the Music Talents through its Youth Focus Initiatives

Published

on

By

Every year, World Music Day serves as a reminder of the powerful role music plays in shaping culture, identity, and human connection. In Nigeria, especially, music has become more than entertainment. It is how young people express themselves, tell their stories, build communities, and increasingly, create opportunities for globalrelevance.From Afrobeats becoming an international force to local sounds influencing popculture conversations across the world, Nigeria’s music industry has evolved into one of the country’s strongest cultural exports. But behind the success stories andchart-topping moments is a growing need to properly support the next generation of talents who will carry the industry forward.For years, TomTom has maintained a strong connection with Nigeria’s youth culture and entertainment scene, growing beyond a household menthol candy brand into one that naturally exists within music and pop culture conversations. From major concerts and live music experiences to youth-focused creative initiatives like; Trace the City, and the MTV Base Cypher, the brand has consistently shown up in spacesthat matter to young Nigerians.In recent time, that relationship with culture is evolving into something more intentional through initiatives like Breathe Academy, the Breathe For It Summit, andthe Breathe Through It Verse Challenge, platforms designed to support, inspire, and empower emerging music talents.As Nigeria’s music industry continues to gain global recognition, there is also growing awareness around the importance of mentorship, education, and access for emerging talents. While talent is abundant, many young creatives still struggle with understanding the business side of music and navigating the realities of an increasingly competitive industry.This is part of what makes initiatives like Breathe Academy relevant.TomTom’s online learning platform created to help aspiring artists and creatives better understand both the craft and business of music. At a time when many young talents are trying to navigate an increasingly competitive industry, access to practical knowledge and mentorship has become just as important as talent itself.Through curated learning sessions, industry-led conversations, and expert insights,participants gain exposure to areas like branding, music distribution, content creation, marketing, audience building, and career development. The platform is helping simplify industry knowledge in a way that feels practical, relatable, and accessible for young creatives trying to find their footing.Ahead of World Music Day, TomTom continues to strengthen its position as a Brant that understands and contributes to Nigeria’s music culture not only through entertainment experiences, but also by helping create opportunities for the next generation of artists, creators, and music entrepreneurs to grow and succeed

Continue Reading

Trending

Mega Awareness 2023