The CEO and co-founder of Foris Labs, the pioneering virtual science laboratory brand aimed at transforming science education for Nigerian students, John Onuigbo will be among eminent Anambrarians to be recognized at the 3rd edition of Anambra Man of the Year Award.The award acknowledges John Onuigbo’s exceptional contributions and remarkable achievements in the field of education and innovation, specifically, for his unparalleled ingenuity and dedication in his work at Foris Labs.
The Anambra Innovator of the Year award celebrates individuals who exemplify creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for making a positive impact on the society through their innovative projects. John Onuigbo perfectly embodies these qualities, having consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and a relentless commitment to driving technological advancements in the field of education.
Driven by a passion for improving science education in Nigeria, John Onuigbo and his partner, Kyrian Obikwelu identified significant barriers hindering students’ inventive skills, including limited time for science lessons, overcrowded laboratories, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to address these obstacles, he embarked on a mission to create a transformative solution.
Introducing Foris Labs, the first offline virtual gamified science laboratory brand, John revolutionized science education in Nigeria. This groundbreaking innovation provides a safe and interactive laboratory environment accessible through mobile phones or desktops, empowering students to conduct science experiments independently and collaboratively. Foris Labs incorporates storytelling as a pedagogical tool and gamified content, making learning enjoyable and engaging for users of all ages.
This innovative startup has quickly risen to prominence, earning a spot among the top three EdTech startups in Nigeria at the Global Edtech Startup Awards in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The impact of John’s innovation extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. John’s visionary leadership and groundbreaking approach led his company to emerge the first African team in the world to win prestigious Stanford Center on Longevity 2020-2021 Design Challenge competition, triumphing over 222 other innovations from top universities worldwide, including designs from Harvard University and Kings College London. This remarkable achievement underscores the global significance of Foris Labs and positions John Onuigbo as a leading innovator in the field of virtual science education.
John Onuigbo has been recognized with numerous other accolades, further exemplifying his commitment to innovation and excellence. John has won the Teacher achievement award of the US Embassy in Nigeria in 2019 & 2020; Airtel Touching Lives for his work at WHAIafrica; Injini West Africa pitch day competition; HeforShe Champion Award of the British High Commission in Nigeria; West African Citizens choice awards 2018.
Just recently, he blazed the trail and shone out as one of the top young entrepreneurs in the Zenith Bank Tech fair hackathon where he won a 15 million naira grant for his company Foris labs as one of the winners. He was also awarded by the Regional Forum of Universities as one of the top 20 young innovators in Africa at an Award ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, in December 2022.
Reflecting on the honor of receiving the Anambra Young Innovator of the Year award, John Onuigbo expressed gratitude and shared, “This recognition will further motivate me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring innovative ways to enhance science education. I am immensely grateful to the organizers for this honor and to my partner, Kyrian Obikwelu and the entire team at Foris Labs for their unwavering support.”
John’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring innovators and educators, emphasizing the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of learning. With Foris Labs leading the way in virtual science education, students can now gain practical knowledge and enhance their inventive skills, regardless of physical limitations or resource constraints.
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