In response to the growing demand for tech talent and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), Product Hub Africa’s STEM-A-School initiative has successfully trained over 3,000 Nigerian students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This is part of an effort to equip students with the skills necessary to compete in today’s global village.
Victoria Oladosu, founder of both STEM-A-School and Product Hub Africa, highlighted the critical need for investment in tech skill development to prevent Africa from being left behind in the AI revolution. Speaking at the startup’s 2025 STEM Conference held at Nile University in Abuja, Oladosu emphasised the mission to cultivate innovators from a young age.
“More people need to build careers in STEM and become innovators if Nigeria and Africa won’t be left behind in the global AI race,” Oladosu stated. “STEM is the difference between where we are in Africa and where we want to be. Yes, we still need lawyers and doctors, but more young people need to explore core STEM paths.”
The STEM-A-School initiative has reached several tertiary and pre-tertiary institutions, introducing students to emerging technologies. Currently, over 3,000 students have been upskilled through this program. AI is projected to contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, and Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, argues that it is important to train young Nigerians in this area.
Joshua Abah, Dean of the Faculty of Computing at Nile University, also emphasised the significance of AI innovation for economic growth.
Abah noted that technology is not a replacement for humans, but a tool for efficiency and productivity.
“All of the challenges we are talking about are addressable by STEM. We talk about food sustainability, and STEM provides just that, particularly in agriculture. In terms of smart and precision farming, you don’t necessarily need soil to grow crops. Nowadays, people assume that to farm, you must have land, but that is not the case.”
Looking ahead, Oladosu announced plans to extend the initiative beyond the northern region of Nigeria. “When we invest in STEM education, especially for young people and girls, we are not just teaching skills; we are unlocking futures. This is why we will be visiting six universities in Osun State—Redeemer’s University, Adeleke University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Oduduwa University, Osun State University, and Bowen University—to upskill students in STEM courses in May,” she revealed.
Through initiatives like STEM-A-School, Product Hub Africa continues to play a pivotal role in bridging the tech talent gap, fostering innovation, and preparing Nigeria’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
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