Sekibo Tamundodumotein, a 15-year-old student of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 774 Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award (774 YONSPA).
Tamundodumotein was announced as the top performer in the ninth edition of the prestigious competition by Chief Examiner, Prof. Uno Uno, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The announcement was made in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tamundodumotein secured victory after competing in the national final examinations alongside 29 other students from across the country.
Daboer Deaane of St. Augustine’s College, Jos South, Plateau State, claimed second place, while Shonibare Adedeji of Surulere Senior Secondary School, Epe, Lagos State, finished third.
Encouraging STEM Education in Nigeria
The 774 YONSPA initiative, organized by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, aims to foster interest in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) among Nigerian youths.
Speaking at the event, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, emphasized the need to prioritize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, given its critical role in driving economic growth and development.
“In this 21st century, where critical thinking and technological skills are essential for research, inventions, and innovation, STEM education requires urgent attention,” she said.
Represented by Malam Baba Ibrahim, Director of the Human Resource Department, Nko-Asanye expressed confidence that 774 YONSPA will nurture a new generation of scientists capable of transforming Nigeria’s future.
She also highlighted the negative impact of Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports, stressing that continued dependence weakens the national currency and limits job opportunities.
“For Nigeria to fully develop, our efforts to provide quality STEM education must extend to the grassroots level. Quality education is so crucial that it stands as the fourth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she added.
Recognition and Future Opportunities for Winners
The Permanent Secretary assured that Nigerian youths have the potential to drive national progress, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for innovation and development.
She announced that the top three winners would receive national recognition, including a presidential handshake, during the Technology and Innovation Expo 2025. They will also be awarded cash prizes and scholarships to pursue higher education at any Nigerian university of their choice.
Mr. Ronald Ukpong, Director of Science and Technology Promotion at the ministry, reiterated that the competition aims to develop a pool of young scientists and technologists capable of competing on a global scale.
According to Ukpong, the program is also designed to encourage Nigerian youths to embrace STI as a viable career path for job creation and economic empowerment. He urged state and local governments to invest in STEM education and support young Nigerians in their pursuit of scientific excellence.
