John Onuigbo is the brilliant CEO of one of Nigeria’s most successful Edtech startups. He is from Ogidi, in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State. He may not be the wealthiest among his peers, but his invaluable contributions to education have made him a treasure.
At just 23 years old, his work has revolutionized education in Anambra State, establishing him as the youngest and most impactful young person in the state currently. Upon meeting him for the first time, one cannot deny that he is destined to be a teacher.
John studied Physiology at COOU Uli ,but his passion for teaching and technology has consumed him. This passion ,he began to nurture from Secondary school, and today he is recognized as one of the most talented young persons in Anambra.
John is the CEO and co-founder of Foris Labs, a virtual science laboratory brand built during covid-19 period,leveraging the power of the metaverse, to revolutionize the learning journey for science students in Nigeria.
Additionally, he co-founded Stemnovo NG, a STEM education company that empowers young creatives in communities across Southeastern Nigeria. By preparing them for the fourth industrial revolution, he challenges them to become job creators rather than job seekers, equipping them with skills in coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship through hands-on training sessions, tech boot camps, community projects, and exhibitions.
John serves as a powerful example that one can achieve success without leaving Nigeria. He has accomplished much within the country before the world takes notice of his talents.
John has played a significant role in the exceptional performance of many schools in Anambra in international competitions, including CKC, QRC, St. John Vianey, and Mater Amabilis Secondary schools.
As a multitalented entrepreneur, he coaches students in debate, technology, and entrepreneurship. Under his guidance, students have achieved notable successes in various competitions viz:
.National 1st Place, Beyond School Community Challenge 2021
- Global Prize Award, Diamond Challenge 2021
- Global 2nd Place, World Affairs Challenge 2023
- Global 1st Place, World Affairs Challenge 2024
- 1st Position, Malaysia-Nigeria International Debate
- 1st Place, President’s Schools Debate 2022
- National 1st Place, National Girls in ICT Competition
Every day, John devotes himself to formulating winning managerial, implementation, and monitoring strategies for various EdTech businesses. His innovative solutions address critical educational challenges in vulnerable communities, generating significant profits.
His startups have been recognized among the top three Edtech startups in Nigeria by the Global Edtech Startup Awards 2021. He was awarded the global first-place prize by the Stanford Centre for Longevity Design Challenge in 2021, becoming the first black person to receive this prestigious honor, outperforming innovations from esteemed institutions such as Harvard Kennedy College, Kings College London, and Northwestern University in a global competition.
John has garnered numerous accolades, including Anambra Innovator of the Year 2023, Teacher Achievement Award from the US Embassy in Nigeria in 2019 and 2020, Airtel Touching Lives Winner, Fellow of the Creative Enterprise Hub in Lagos, Injini Africa Fellow, Winner of the Injini West Africa Pitch Day Competition, HeforShe Champion Awardee from the British High Commission in Nigeria, West African Citizens Choice Awards 2018, and Regional Universities Forum Top 20 Young African Innovators Award 2022.
As you we celebrate your birthday which was marked on Saturday, this is wishing John amazing future. You’re unstoppable.
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