Month: July 2026

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS: IFFPAN CELEBRATES STEM DAY AT GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, FCT

Students Transform Scientific Ideas into Practical Solutions

As part of its commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among young people, the International Ford Foundation Alumni Association of Nigeria (IFFPAN) recently participated in the STEM Day exhibition organised by a Government Secondary School in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The event provided a platform for students to showcase innovative projects, models, and prototypes they had developed through classroom learning, creativity, and teamwork. The exhibition highlighted the potential of young Nigerians to apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges when provided with the right learning environment and encouragement.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

During the visit, IFFPAN members engaged directly with students as they demonstrated their creations and explained the scientific principles behind them. The students confidently presented models, prototypes, and practical solutions, illustrating how theoretical concepts taught in science and technology classes can be translated into tangible products and innovations.

From engineering concepts and design thinking to creativity, problem-solving, and experimentation, the exhibition demonstrated the value of hands-on learning in developing critical thinking and innovation skills among young people.

The students’ ability to explain the rationale behind their projects and the processes involved in developing them was particularly impressive, reflecting the dedication of both the learners and their teachers in fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation.

Encouraging Future Scientists, Engineers and Innovators

For IFFPAN, the visit reaffirmed the importance of investing in STEM education at an early stage. Nigeria’s future development depends on nurturing a generation of young people equipped with the knowledge, creativity, and technical skills required to solve emerging social, environmental, health, and technological challenges.

The exhibition showcased the enormous potential that exists within public schools and demonstrated that talent can be found in every community when students are given opportunities to learn, experiment, and innovate.

Supporting STEM Education and Youth Development

IFFPAN remains committed to supporting initiatives that encourage young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, innovation, and research.

Through its mentoring programmes, STEM and AI initiatives, educational partnerships, scholarship schemes, and youth development activities, the association continues to create opportunities that help students realise their potential and prepare for the future workforce.

The visit also aligns with IFFPAN’s broader mission of promoting educational excellence, leadership development, and equitable access to opportunities for young people across Nigeria.

Investing in Nigeria’s Future

The creativity, confidence, and ingenuity displayed by the students serve as a reminder that Nigeria’s future scientists, engineers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators are already in our classrooms today.

IFFPAN commends the school leadership, teachers, parents, and students for organising a successful STEM Day and creating an environment that encourages innovation and practical learning.

By supporting STEM education and celebrating young innovators, we are investing in the next generation of problem-solvers who will help shape a more prosperous, sustainable, and technologically advanced Nigeria.

At IFFPAN, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to explore, create, innovate, and contribute to building a better future.

IFFPAN MEMBERS LEAD PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Advancing Public Engagement Through Knowledge Sharing

As part of its commitment to evidence-informed public discourse and social transformation, the International Ford Foundation Alumni Association of Nigeria (IFFPAN) continues to engage the public on critical national and global issues through radio, television, public lectures, webinars, policy dialogues, and community outreach activities.

Drawing on the diverse expertise of its members across academia, research, government, civil society, health, education, climate change, technology, and social development, IFFPAN actively contributes to public conversations that promote awareness, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Celebrating International Days Through Public Education

IFFPAN members regularly participate in programmes aligned with international observances recognised by the United Nations and other global institutions. These engagements provide opportunities to translate research, professional experience, and policy knowledge into accessible information for the wider public.

In February 2025, IFFPAN members featured on Radio Nigeria’s Network Service programmes commemorating:

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

As part of activities marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Dr. Ijeoma Anthonia Onyeahialam, President of IFFPAN Worldwide, joined Radio Nigeria’s “Issues of the Moment” programme to discuss:

“Women in Science: Overcoming Barriers and Shaping the Future.”

The discussion explored the challenges women face in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while highlighting opportunities for increasing female participation, leadership, and innovation in scientific fields.

World Radio Day and Climate Change Awareness

IFFPAN member and environmental scientist, Professor Rabia Salihu Sa’id, participated in Radio Nigeria’s “Global Space” programme to commemorate World Radio Day under the theme:

“Radio: A Tool for Climate Change Awareness.”

The programme examined the critical role of media and communication in promoting climate literacy, environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness, and public understanding of climate-related challenges affecting communities across Nigeria and beyond.

Leveraging Alumni Expertise for Social Impact

IFFPAN’s membership includes academics, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, health professionals, educators, engineers, and social entrepreneurs whose expertise spans multiple sectors and disciplines.

Through public engagement activities, members contribute to national conversations on:

• Education and youth development
• Science, technology and innovation
• Climate change and environmental sustainability
• Public health and wellbeing
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Disability inclusion and accessibility
• Social justice and human rights
• Economic transformation and entrepreneurship
• Leadership and governance

Strengthening Evidence-Informed Public Dialogue

IFFPAN believes that knowledge should not remain within universities, research institutions, or professional circles. By engaging with media platforms and public audiences, members help bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice, ensuring that evidence and expert perspectives contribute to informed decision-making and societal progress.

These engagements also reflect IFFPAN’s broader commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting civic participation, and strengthening public understanding of issues that affect communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Looking Ahead

IFFPAN will continue to leverage the expertise of its members to contribute to public discourse, celebrate key international observances, and promote awareness of issues that advance education, health, climate resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Through these efforts, the association remains committed to using knowledge, experience, and leadership as tools for positive social change and national development.

IFFPAN PARTNERS WITH FCT UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD TO EXPAND HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEAF STUDENTS

Breaking Barriers to Higher Education for Persons with Disabilities

The International Ford Foundation Alumni Association of Nigeria (IFFPAN) led by Mr Obed Danlami has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) to support students at the FCT School for the Deaf through the IFFPAN Legacy Project, an innovative scholarship and mentorship initiative aimed at addressing the systemic and structural barriers that limit access to higher education for persons with disabilities.

The collaboration follows the formal approval granted by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board for IFFPAN to work directly with the FCT School for the Deaf in Abuja. The partnership seeks to create sustainable pathways that enable talented but economically disadvantaged deaf students to progress from secondary education into universities and other higher education institutions.

Addressing Structural Inequalities in Education

Despite growing awareness of disability rights, many deaf learners in Nigeria continue to face significant barriers to educational advancement. Poverty, limited access to assistive technologies, inadequate support systems, social exclusion, and financial constraints often prevent qualified students from pursuing tertiary education.

Recognising these challenges, IFFPAN established the Legacy Project to provide:

• Scholarships for indigent deaf students.
• Mentorship and leadership development.
• Academic and career guidance.
• Support for university admissions and transitions.
• Advocacy for disability-inclusive higher education.
• Partnerships with universities committed to accessibility and inclusion.

From School to University: A Long-Term Support Model

Unlike many scholarship schemes that focus solely on tuition support, the IFFPAN Legacy Project adopts a long-term approach designed to accompany students through critical educational transitions.

The initiative identifies promising students from the FCT School for the Deaf and provides structured support to enable them to complete secondary education and successfully transition into higher education. The programme seeks to increase representation of persons with disabilities across all academic disciplines, including STEM, health sciences, social sciences, education, business, and technology.

First Cohort Successfully Admitted

A major milestone has already been achieved through the admission of the first cohort of IFFPAN Legacy Scholars, demonstrating that the programme has moved beyond planning into implementation and impact.

These pioneering students represent the beginning of a long-term effort to ensure that disability is not a barrier to academic achievement and professional success. Their admission into higher education institutions reflects the transformative potential of targeted support, mentorship, and inclusive partnerships.

Preparing for the Next Cohort

Building on the success of the first cohort, IFFPAN is now preparing to recruit and support its second cohort of beneficiaries.

The association is actively mobilising resources, strengthening partnerships, and engaging supporters who share the vision of expanding educational opportunities for deaf learners and other persons with disabilities. As the programme grows, IFFPAN aims to increase the number of students supported annually while developing a scalable model that can be replicated across Nigeria.

A Partnership for Sustainable Inclusion

The partnership with FCT-UBEB represents an important institutional milestone and demonstrates the value of collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions, alumni networks, and development partners.

IFFPAN believes that meaningful inclusion requires more than policy commitments; it requires practical interventions that remove barriers and create opportunities for those who have historically been excluded.

Advancing IFFPAN’s Mission

As an association of Ford Foundation alumni committed to education, social justice, leadership development, and inclusion, IFFPAN continues to invest in initiatives that create opportunities for underserved populations.

The Legacy Project reflects the association’s belief that every young person, regardless of disability or socioeconomic background, deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Looking Ahead

IFFPAN extends its appreciation to the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board, the management and staff of the FCT School for the Deaf, alumni volunteers, disability advocates, donors, and partners whose support has made this initiative possible.

Today, IFFPAN is supporting its first cohort of deaf scholars. Tomorrow, it hopes to support many more.

Our vision is to build a sustainable pipeline that enables talented students with disabilities to progress from school to university, from university to careers, and from careers to leadership breaking cycles of exclusion and creating opportunities for generations to come.

IFFPAN AND BOOTHS ENGINEERING EXPAND AI AND DIGITAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACROSS NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

The International Ford Foundation Alumni Association of Nigeria (IFFPAN) is partnering with Booths Engineering Ltd. to strengthen AI, digital engineering, and innovation skills among young people in Nigerian higher education institutions.

The partnership forms part of IFFPAN’s broader vision to build a national ecosystem of universities, industry partners, researchers, and practitioners working together to prepare students for the future of work through practical training in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, engineering innovation, and problem-solving.

As part of this collaboration, students from universities across North-Central Nigeria have participated in a series of Engineering and AI Bootcamps designed to expose undergraduates to modern engineering workflows, artificial intelligence tools, Building Information Modelling (BIM), automation, digital design, research, and innovation. The programme seeks to bridge the gap between university education and industry needs by equipping students with skills that are increasingly demanded in today’s digital economy.

Building a Scalable University Partnership Model

IFFPAN’s goal is not simply to support individual training events, but to develop a scalable model that can be replicated across universities in Nigeria and eventually across Africa.

Through partnerships with universities, professional bodies, private sector organisations, and alumni networks, IFFPAN is working to:

• Expand access to AI and digital skills training for university students.
• Increase participation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
• Create pathways to internships, employment, and entrepreneurship.
• Strengthen university-industry collaboration.
• Develop future leaders capable of applying technology to solve local and global challenges.
• Support the development of a digitally skilled workforce for Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

Growing Reach and Impact

The initiative currently operates across three federal universities in North-Central Nigeria:

• University of Abuja
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• University of Jos

Since inception, the programme has reached approximately 200 undergraduate students, with structured efforts to maintain gender-inclusive participation across cohorts. Participating institutions have formally recognised the programme through certificates, awards, and institutional partnerships.

The programme has also demonstrated tangible career outcomes:

• 25 internships secured
• 5 graduate jobs secured
• 2 international placements secured

These outcomes demonstrate the value of combining university learning with practical industry exposure and emerging technology skills.

Engineering 2025 Bootcamp

The most recent Engineering 2025 Bootcamp focused on developing engineers who can combine first-principles thinking, digital technologies, and innovation to address Africa’s infrastructure challenges. Participants received hands-on exposure to digital engineering tools, structural design software, BIM workflows, engineering research, and practical problem-solving approaches relevant to sustainable infrastructure development. The long-term vision is to help train 1,000 engineers across Nigeria and Africa who can develop scalable solutions for the continent’s future.

Advancing IFFPAN’s STEM and AI Agenda

This partnership aligns with IFFPAN’s growing work in STEM education, AI capacity building, youth mentoring, leadership development, disability inclusion, and educational access. As an association of Ford Foundation alumni, IFFPAN continues to leverage the expertise of its members, universities, and partner organisations to create opportunities that empower young people and contribute to Nigeria’s social and economic transformation.

“Our vision is to build a network of university and industry partnerships that democratise access to AI, digital innovation, and future-ready skills for young people across Nigeria, ensuring that talent not geography or circumstance determines opportunity.”

This initiative represents an important step towards achieving that vision.n