By Esther Onyegbula

In a powerful celebration of Commonwealth Day 2025, Children-in-Science and Technology (CIST), a premier STEM-focused nonprofit working across Africa and beyond, unveiled a landmark national initiative designed to ignite creativity, character, and scientific thinking among children.

At the heart of the event was the launch of the BOT Chair’s Award, a prestigious new honour introduced by Ibiyemi Lawani, Board Chair of CIST and a globally recognized expert in business strategy and commercial contracts.

Lawani’s strategic leadership has ushered in a new era of growth and visibility for CIST, elevating the organization’s operational capacity, international partnerships, and impact. Since assuming leadership, she has guided the implementation of a bold multi-year strategic plan, emphasizing excellence in early STEM education, inclusive outreach, and global collaboration.

The newly launched award, now a signature feature of CIST’s annual calendar, recognizes young learners who demonstrate creativity, resilience, and critical thinking. The initiative is more than ceremonial; it reflects Lawani’s deep belief in empowering children as architects of national and global progress.

“This award is grounded in vision and intent,” said Lawani. “It’s designed to reward not just performance, but promise, the kind of promise that can shape communities, industries, and nations.”

The Commonwealth Day programme brought together educators, public sector leaders, and development partners, while engaging children across Nigeria in STEM-themed writing, storytelling, and artistic exploration.

This year’s Commonwealth theme, “Knowledge, Innovation, and a Shared Future”, resonated strongly with CIST’s long-standing commitment to preparing young minds for tomorrow’s world.

Since its founding in 1992, CIST has become one of Africa’s most respected child-centered STEM NGOs, with a footprint that extends across Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, the UK, and Canada. Through a blend of informal learning, teacher training, and inclusive outreach, the organization has directly impacted over 41,000 children, fostering a generation of confident, capable young thinkers.

Under Lawani’s guidance, CIST has deepened its international presence, earned recognition from global institutions such as UNESCO, and strengthened programme delivery through strategic expansion. Her blend of business acumen and development insight has repositioned the organization as a transformative force in early STEM education and leadership cultivation.

With its reputation growing both at home and abroad, CIST continues to shape the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders, championed by a board chair whose strategic clarity and global expertise are redefining what’s possible for African-led development in science and education.

Vanguard News