By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) has announced the launch of three programmes designed to foster innovation, advance scientific research, and inspire technological breakthroughs.

According to a statement released over the weekend, these initiatives aim to position Lagos State as a hub for innovation and empower the people to be trailblazers shaping the future of the State collaboratively.

The Innovation Challenge, designed for bold thinkers and startups, seeks groundbreaking solutions in agritech, circular economy, and disruptive emerging technologies.

Participants will gain access to funding and mentorship opportunities to refine their ideas into scalable and impactful solutions.

Also, high-value innovations will also secure equity investment opportunities from LASRIC, further solidifying Lagos State’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The STEM Challenge is tailored to drive educational impact by supporting fund-ready solutions that deepen STEM knowledge among students from primary schools to tertiary institutions.

This programme will focus on areas such as AI/robotics, GreenTech, EdTech, and inclusivity tech – empowering innovators with the tools to enhance tech skills and capacity building for the next generation.

The Request for Research Proposal initiative targets higher education researchers and innovators ready to produce groundbreaking R&D projects that address critical societal challenges.

Spanning sectors like public service, circular economy, and emerging technologies, the program encourages collaboration among academic institutions and research entities to produce results with tangible economic and social benefits for Lagos State and beyond.

LASRIC’s mission is to empower individuals and institutions with the resources and support needed to transform ideas into groundbreaking solutions that benefit the state.

With these programmes, LASRIC reiterates its mission to support innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs as they tackle pressing challenges, enhance the quality of life, and contribute to the economic development of Lagos State.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit lasric.lagosstate.gov.ng/apply  to learn more and submit their applications. The deadline for all programmes is Friday January 31st, 2025.

By Dipo Olowookere

Winners have emerged in the essay competition organised by Airtel Nigeria for primary schools in Nigeria to celebrate the International Day of Education.

This is an initiative of implemented under the company’s Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS) designed to enhance writing skills, foster critical thinking, and encourage self-expression among pupils.

The competition is for children in pupils Basic 4, 5 and 6, with themes focusing on education, technology, and community development.

This year’s event took place at Airtel’s adopted schools across Nigeria and forms a vital part of the telco’s Adopt-a-School program, a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on driving educational development in underserved communities.

Through this program, Airtel is committed to creating lasting value by equipping students with the skills and confidence needed for a brighter future.

The participating schools included Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos; St John’s Primary School, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State; Iyeru-Okin Primary School, Offa, Kwara State; Community Primary School, Ezinihite Mbaise, Imo State; Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State; Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria, Kaduna State; and Government Day Primary School, Pantami, Gombe State.

After a rigorous selection process, the top participants from each school competed in the final round, guided and mentored by Airtel employees who served as judges and facilitators.

The final stage of the competition saw 15 top participants from each school present their essays before a panel of judges.

Ultimately, a winner and runner-up were selected from each school to make a total of 14 champions nationwide. Prizes presented to the winners by Airtel included books, digital tablets, mathematical sets, writing instruments, among others.

“This essay competition is a testament to Airtel’s dedication to nurturing creativity and academic excellence among young learners.

“We aim to empower them to achieve their full potential and inspire positive change within their communities, by providing a platform for these students to share their ideas,” the chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

No fewer than 473 students from 10 secondary schools and seven tertiary institutions have been awarded scholarships by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, in partnership with Dangote Fertilisers Limited.

The beneficiaries were from the host communities of the organisations located in the suburb of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.

Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed their immense joy as the scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries, alongside educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks, as part of the 5th Dangote Scholarship Award Programme

“Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe education is not just a privilege but a right every child deserves.

“This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” the Group Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Devakumar Edwin, said,

He remarked that the initiative is not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow.

Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Mr Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024.

He also noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment. This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive.

“To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference.

“As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, and dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honoured to work alongside you in empowering the next generation,” Mr Edwin added.

The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Mr Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited.

Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, noting that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next ‘Edwin’ in the future.

The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ms Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community.

“The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.

On his part, the Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Mr Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company is helping to shape the future of the community. He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited.

The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Mr Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world. He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community.