NNPC Foundation donates 25,000 STEM textbooks and mini libraries to 25 secondary schools

The NNPC Foundation Ltd.has donated 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) textbooks and mini libraries to 25 secondary schools across Nigeria.

The initiative is part of the Foundation’s efforts to address the growing technological divide and empower the nation’s youth with the skills necessary for success in a rapidly advancing technological world.

Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd., made the announcement on Monday during the unveiling of 1,000 STEM textbooks and a mini science library at the School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The NNPC Foundation, established by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 2023, focuses on key initiatives in education, empowerment, health, environment, and access to energy aimed at boosting socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Arukwe emphasized that the donation was the second phase of the Foundation’s ongoing initiative to improve access to quality STEM education across Nigeria. She highlighted that, in 2024, the Foundation donated 15,000 STEM books to 15 schools across the country’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“With the world becoming increasingly technology-driven, it is crucial to equip the youth with relevant skills to keep up with the rapid pace of technological development and contribute to economic growth,” said Arukwe.

She explained that the unveiling at the School for the Gifted was symbolic, as the Foundation plans to replicate the distribution of 40,000 STEM textbooks and library shelves in 24 other states across Nigeria in April 2025.

In total, the NNPC Foundation plans to distribute 40,000 STEM textbooks (comprising both the first and second phases of the initiative) to public secondary schools across all 36 states and the FCT.

Each identified school will receive 1,000 copies of STEM textbooks along with a designated bookshelf to ensure easy access and organization.

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Arukwe noted the critical need for STEM education in Nigeria, particularly due to the limited availability of resources in many schools. She also pointed out that the NNPC Foundation’s efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education and reducing inequality.

“The NNPC Foundation is committed to supporting underserved communities and ensuring that more students have access to STEM education, helping them navigate today’s rapidly evolving world of science and technology,” she added.

The Principal of the School for the Gifted, Malam Bello Audu, commended the donation, calling it a demonstration of the NNPC Foundation’s commitment to educational development. “We are honored to receive this donation, which will significantly impact our students’ academic pursuits and future career choices,” Audu said. He also pointed out the school’s need for additional ICT resources, such as computers and internet facilities, to further enhance students’ learning experiences.

Students at the school also expressed their gratitude, with Anyanwu Ugonnaya, an SS3 science student, highlighting how the STEM textbooks will aid in preparing for the upcoming Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE). “The donation will help us with assignments, reading, and research,” Ugonnaya said. “It will also help future generations, especially less privileged students who cannot afford textbooks.”

The NNPC Foundation’s initiative marks a significant step in promoting STEM education and addressing the digital divide in Nigerian schools, fostering a future generation equipped to thrive in the global economy.

CREDITS : NAN