Symposium
Temple College on Friday hosted the fifth edition of its Project-Based Learning Symposium, showcasing student-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the themed ‘Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria’, the symposium was held in Ikeja and attracted educators, parents and community stakeholders.
The initiative, which began in 2019, integrated the SDGs into its PBL framework four years ago to address real-life challenges through research and collaboration.
Mrs Eseoghene Okotie, the school’s PBL Coordinator, said the event exposed the public to practical solutions developed by students.
She said: “This is the fifth edition of the PBL symposium since 2019.
“Four years ago, we incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals into project-based learning.”
Okotie said students identify specific targets and indicators before developing practical solutions to real societal problems.
“The students pick a target, an indicator, come up with a driving question and then provide real-life solutions,” she said.
She explained that the process nurtures responsibility, teamwork and essential 21st-century skills.
“It teaches responsibility, coordination and collaboration, the skills every child needs to thrive,” Okotie added.
She noted that the approach builds confidence and prepares students to engage meaningfully in society.
“At the end of the day, the students become confident individuals who can address real-life challenges,” she said.
Five groups participated, focusing on different SDGs.
They included SDG 2 – EcoEats; SDG 3 – Vitality; SDG 6 – Sanitas Aquas; SDG 7 – Light Up Tomorrow; and SDG 12 – Green Titans.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two winners emerged, one by popular vote and another by judges’ assessment.
The winner by popular vote was the Vitality group, while EcoEats won by judges’ votes.
The judges assessed research quality, teamwork, performance, team spirit and final presentations.
Okotie disclosed that Vitality partnered with Sterling Foundation, which donated N5 million to support its outreach.
She said the group organised health programmes and invited medical professionals to conduct check-ups for students and teachers.
Kimberly Ajayi, a Year 12 student and member of Vitality, described the experience as rewarding.
“Being in this team is an honour. I understand what teamwork means, and I am glad we came this far,” she said.
Ajayi said the group won first place by popular vote and second place by judges.
“We raised one million naira on our own, and with Sterling Foundation’s support, received an additional five million naira,” she said.
She explained that the group distributed free and subsidised care kits and plans to extend support to public schools.
“Our care kits include meal plans and items that improve physical and mental health,” Ajayi said.
The group members were Chika Unumadu- Team Lead, Munachimso Akalonu- Research Manager, Kimberly Ajayi- Creative Lead, Anthony Uabio- Presentation Manager.
Others are Darasimi Okulaja- Public Research Officer
Micheal Faseemo- Research Manager
Tobi Ajebembe- Public Research Officer
Donnell Anene- Creative Lead
Anthony Uaboi, another member of the winning team, said the recognition reflected months of dedication and preparation.
“When you think about all our Thursday meetings and corrections, it feels refreshing to see it was worth it,” he said.
He added that the experience strengthened students’ presentation and public speaking skills.
“We have learned how to present confidently. We will continue reaching out to public schools,” Uaboi said.
Munachimso Akalonu, Research Manager of Vitality, attributed the success to collaboration and determination.
“I feel proud of the efforts we made. It was all about teamwork and determination,” she said.
She explained that the Vitality Care Kit promotes hygiene and healthy living.
“Our kits contain face towels, vitamin C, sanitary pads, bottles, meal plans and homemade sanitisers,” Akalonu said.
She added that some materials were eco-friendly and reusable, reinforcing sustainability principles.
“These are skills we can continue to use to impact the world,” she said.
The symposium underscored the growing emphasis on experiential learning, positioning students as solution providers within their communities. (NAN)
