The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced plans to host an Engineering Olympiad aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among Nigerian youths.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Mr. Esueme Kikile, the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination at NCDMB, highlighted the need for more STEM-focused initiatives to engage young people.
Kikile noted that while entertainment and social programs often captivate youth audiences, there are limited initiatives designed to promote STEM education. To address this gap, NCDMB plans to collaborate with the oil and gas industry and other partners to organize an Engineering Olympiad.
“The Olympiad will be a competition involving Nigerian universities and student groups, where participants will propose innovative ideas that can be developed into practical solutions,” Kikile said.
He emphasized that the program is exclusively for Nigerian university students, providing a platform to showcase and advance their ideas into impactful ventures that address national challenges.
Currently, the Olympiad is in its planning stage, with NCDMB working closely with its partners to finalize the details. Kikile expressed optimism that the initiative will encourage participation from universities nationwide once formally announced.
In addition to promoting STEM education, Kikile highlighted the NCDMB’s commitment to Research and Development (R&D) as part of its 10-year Strategic Roadmap (2017-2027).
He explained that R&D plays a critical role in driving innovation and economic development, a strategy employed by the world’s leading economies.
The NCDMB has established a $50 million research fund, housed with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to support innovative projects. Researchers can access the fund through the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council (NCRDC), which regularly calls for research submissions from individuals, institutions, and organizations.
Kikile detailed the process, explaining that submissions are screened by an evaluation committee. Selected proposals are then incubated at the NCDMB Technology Incubation and Innovation Centre, where they receive seed funding to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.
He encouraged interested parties to visit the NCDMB website, www.ncdmb.gov.ng, for detailed guidelines on accessing the research fund.
“The fund is designed to enhance innovative solutions, foster economic growth, and drive national development,” Kikile stated, reaffirming NCDMB’s commitment to empowering researchers and advancing STEM education in Nigeria.
