15-Year-Old Student Wins 2025 Young Nigerian Scientist Award

Sekibo Tamundodumotein, a student at Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, has been named the overall winner of the 2025 774-Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award (774 YONSPA).

Tamundodumotein was declared the winner of the ninth edition of 774-YONSPA by the Chief Examiner, Professor Uno Uno, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

The 15-year-old secured victory in the competition after sitting the national final examinations alongside 29 other students from across the country.

Daboer Deaane of St. Augustine’s College, Jos South, Plateau State, finished in second place, while Shonibare Adedeji of Surulere Senior Secondary School, Epe, Lagos State, took third place.

The 774-YONSPA is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation aimed at fostering interest in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) among Nigerian youths.

Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, given its potential to drive economic growth and national development.

“In the 21st century, where critical thinking and skill development are essential for technological advancement, research, inventions, and innovations, STEM is more crucial than ever,” she stated.

Represented by Malam Baba Ibrahim, Director of the Human Resource Department in the ministry, Nko-Asanye expressed confidence that the 774 YONSPA would help nurture a generation of committed scientists capable of transforming Nigeria.

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She criticised the country’s heavy reliance on imports, warning that continued dependence on foreign goods would weaken the Nigerian currency and reduce job opportunities.

“For Nigeria to achieve full development, our efforts in providing quality STEM education must extend to the grassroots. Quality education is so vital that it is the fourth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she added.

Nko-Asanye assured that Nigerian youths have the potential to drive national progress, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is creating an enabling environment for the development of innovative ideas.

She announced that the top three winners would be recognised with a presidential handshake at the Technology and Innovation Expo 2025, where they would also receive cash prizes and scholarships to study at any Nigerian university of their choice.

Mr. Ronald Ukpong, Director of Science and Technology Promotion at the ministry, stated that the programme aims to produce a pool of dedicated scientists and technologists capable of competing on the global stage.

He added that it seeks to encourage Nigerian youths to embrace STI as an alternative pathway to employment and wealth creation. Furthermore, he emphasised that the initiative provides states and local governments with the opportunity to contribute to the capacity-building of young Nigerians in science and technology.