The just concluded conference took place at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria. The conference started on the 21st of September and ended on the 23rd of September, 2022, and is themed “STEAMi: Pathways to Sustainable National Development.

Some of our scholars (Teniola Olowookere, Nifemi Adebowale, Olanegan Olawamiri, and Adeola Ibukun) left Akure, Ondo state in the company of two chaperones (Mr. Tope Akintayo and Mrs. Adenike Olaitan) to attend the conference. The first day of the event was for registration of the scholars, photographs, and art exhibitions.

Our scholars, led by Barr. Femi Onipede and Dr. Taye Familoni attended the opening ceremony on the second day of the conference which featured lots of activities. The day was graced by some distinguished personalities from all works of life, among these are;

• Prof. Edward O. Olanipekun, the Vice Chancellor, EKSU.
• Prof. Ibiyinka Ogunlade, Director of CIST.
• Prof. Olukoya Ogen, Director of Research and Innovation Management, Osun State University, Osogbo.
• Prof. Isreal Esan, the Provost of the College of Engineering, ABUAD.
• Prof. Majekodumi Fatope, from the United Arab Emirates.

Moreover, Prof. Ogunlade who was the host gave an introductory address and this was followed by goodwill messages from around the globe.

Children’s presentations were added as interludes for a smooth transition between activities; and the welcome speech was given by the Chief Host, Vice Chancellor of EKSU, who welcomed all the conferees and gave advice and insight on the role of training children in science and technology to perform specific tasks in the future that would lead to development in all aspects of the economy and the nation at large. His speech was followed by that of the keynote speaker, Prof. Olukoya Ogen which was on “STEAMi as a Pathway to Sustainable National Development”. He spoke about how science should be taught in schools and its importance preached to children so they understand the need to study science.

He also established how teaching science, technology, engineering, art, and Mathematics (STEAMi) at primary schools could be the beginning of groundbreaking achievements in the industrial and commercial sectors.

This was followed by the children presenting awards to the Director of CIST and also to the keynote speaker.

Thereafter, there was a short break for lunch then paper presentations which featured so many academicians presenting their well-written extracts and discoveries to the conferees.

On the third day of the conference, the scholars arrived at the Conference venue and the event kicked off with the Director of Children in Science and Technology, Prof. Ogunlade giving a short remark on the turnout and patience of the conferees the day before. This was followed by the Lead paper presentation from Engr Dr. (Mrs) Olufunke Akinkurolere who spoke extensively on STEAMi (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Innovation) too. She established the importance of vocational schools, polytechnics, and other science-specialized institutions as pathways to making children learn not just the theoretical aspect of science but also the practical aspect of technology.

After everything was said and done, the session was immediately followed by paper and poster presentations, one of which was given by student attendees on behalf of the MT-BABS Scholarship Foundation on the “Role of NGOs in Promoting STEM Education in Nigeria.” The student attendees discussed the role the foundation played in assisting them in achieving their dreams, the foundation’s accomplishments, and their plans, as well as answering questions and providing the Foundation’s website and contact information.

Prof. Ogunlade gave her remark on the presentation, and the presentation was followed by the paper presentation on molecular biology by the president of Children in Science and Technology. 

The group took pictures and then headed to Akure at the close of the Conference.

At Babs-Foundation we are passionate about making a global impact in education through supporting and inspiring hardworking underprivileged students in STEAMi education.