GCL Students Showcase Groundbreaking STEM Innovations at Demo Day Sponsored by Senator Abiru

GCL Students Showcase Groundbreaking STEM Innovations at Demo Day Sponsored by Senator Abiru

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 Co-Founder, SAIL Empowerment Foundation, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, Global President GCLOBA, Mr. Jibola Bakare, Chief Impact Officer, SAIL Empowerment Foundation, Mr. Deji Abisola, other eminent guests, flanked by graduands of the STEM Training Cohort 1 at the Government College Lagos, Surulere on Saturday.

..........  As Abiru Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Digital Literacy

Students of Government College Lagos (GCL), Surulere, stunned stakeholders with inspiring and thought-provoking innovations at the school’s recent STEM Demo and Graduation Day, marking the completion of a nine-week intensive STEM education programme powered by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.

The training, facilitated by STEM Café (a Co-Creation Hub initiative), engaged about 60 senior secondary school students in hands-on learning that empowered them to develop practical solutions to real-world problems. The programme was held in the newly renovated and fully equipped STEM Lab—part of the foundation's broader strategy to bridge the digital divide and nurture 21st-century skills among young Nigerians.

Distinguished guests at the Demo Day included Co-founder of the SAIL Foundation and Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA; Chief Impact Officer of SAIL Foundation, Mr. Deji Abisola; the Global President of the Government College Lagos Old Boys Association (GCLOBA), Mr. Jibola Bakare; Tutor General/Permanent Secretary for Education District IV; Board Member of LASUBEB, Dr. Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle; school management, parents, teachers, and notable alumni.

Delivering his keynote address themed “Empowering the Next Generation Through STEM Innovation,” Senator Abiru—an alumnus of the school—described the Demo Day as a powerful symbol of what is possible when the public and private sectors collaborate to nurture young talent.

“This Demo Day is not just ceremonial; it is a bold statement of what becomes achievable when we nurture curiosity and provide the tools to solve real-world problems,” Abiru stated. “Our children are not just learning; they are building, experimenting, and stepping confidently into the future.”

The STEM lab at GCL is one of several initiatives under the SAIL Innovation ecosystem, which also includes the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu and the Innovation and Sports Centre in Orimedu, Ibeju-Lekki. These centres aim to equip Nigerian youths with digital, entrepreneurial, and life skills crucial for navigating today’s innovation-driven economy.

Senator Abiru emphasized that the STEM project aligns with his “Endowment” pillar—one of three focus areas in his senatorial agenda, alongside Legislative Duties and Facilitation & Empowerment. According to him, preparing youths for future opportunities in technology and science is no longer optional—it is a necessity.

“We are building platforms that give our children access to knowledge, mentorship, and modern learning spaces. The future belongs to those equipped with scientific literacy and digital competence,” he said.

Chief Impact Officer, Mr. Deji Abisola, noted that the STEM programme at GCL is part of a wider and ongoing initiative. Similar training continues at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, where students from 10 public secondary schools benefit each academic term under the SAILors Programme. More cohorts are expected to commence training after the upcoming school break.

Vice-Principal of GCL, Mrs. Ngozi Eneje, praised the initiative’s impact, describing it as transformative and timely. She commended Senator Abiru and the SAIL Foundation for their vision and commitment to future-proofing education.

Also speaking, GCLOBA Global President, Mr. Jibola Bakare, expressed gratitude to Senator Abiru for his continued dedication to the growth and development of Government College Lagos, citing the STEM lab as a lasting legacy.

The event ended with a guided tour of the STEM lab, where guests had the opportunity to witness the students’ impressive innovations and interact with their creators.

Other prominent attendees included Prof. Bankole Sodipo (SAN), Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (Rtd), Mr. A.A. Akinajo, Mr. Akin Ogunmowo, Mr. Timothy Aluko (Chief Operating Officer, CcHub), among others—all of whom commended the initiative and expressed support for its continuity.

The GCL STEM Demo Day stands as a shining example of how strategic investment in education and youth development can shape a brighter future for Nigeria.