The Young Creators Program (YCP), an initiative of global energy technology company SLB in partnership with STEMCafe, has empowered 200 Nigerian secondary school students with hands-on skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), culminating in an innovation showcase held at the SLB Blue Base office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The year-long program engaged students from eight secondary schools, providing practical training in embedded systems and additive manufacturing. Participants were exposed to physical computing, programming and 3D printing, equipping them with foundational skills in prototyping, design thinking and problem-solving using both hardware and software tools.
At the showcase, students presented projects developed during the academic session to educators, industry professionals and community stakeholders. Among the standout innovations was a Smart Walking Stick with Vibration developed by students of Community Secondary School, Rumuepirikom, aimed at improving mobility for visually impaired users through obstacle detection and haptic alerts.
Government Girls Secondary School, Rumueme, showcased an Automated Irrigation System that uses soil-moisture sensors to optimize water usage, while Community Secondary School, Oroworukwo, presented a Contactless Water Dispenser designed to reduce shared touchpoints and limit the spread of germs. Several teams also incorporated recycled materials and 3D-printed components, highlighting sustainability and resourcefulness.
Speaking at the event, Nosa Omorodion, Nigeria Country Director, SLB, said early exposure to STEM education is critical for national development.
“Seeing these students bring their ideas to life reinforces why early exposure to STEM is so important. The Young Creators Program gives young people the confidence to build, test and innovate—skills that are essential for Nigeria’s future workforce. We are proud to support initiatives that unlock potential and inspire problem-solvers who will shape the country’s technological and economic growth,” he said.
Also commenting, Moji Tijani, Managing Director of STEMCafe, said the program demonstrated the impact of equipping young people with the right tools and guidance.
“The students showed not only technical understanding but also curiosity, resilience and imagination. These qualities drive long-term innovation, and we are delighted to partner with SLB to help nurture them,” she said.
The event concluded with an interactive exhibition session where students engaged directly with attendees, received feedback and discussed plans to further refine their prototypes—reinforcing the program’s goal of developing a new generation of Nigerian innovators.
SLB noted that education and partnerships remain central to its community development strategy, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
Beyond the Young Creators Program, the company supports educational initiatives such as Faculty for the Future, SLB Excellence in Education Development (SEED) and HSE for Youth, with a focus on inclusive learning and skills development, particularly for women and underserved communities.
SLB operates in more than 100 countries worldwide and is committed to advancing energy innovation, digital transformation and new energy systems to support a balanced planet.
