John Onuigbo, founder and chief executive officer of Foris Labs, has been nominated for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Education 2025.
The award, described by Forbes as “the most important youth award in Africa” and recognized by the World Bank as “the Nobel Prize for Young Africans,” celebrates young people driving transformative change across the continent.
This year’s edition, themed “Threads of Legacy,” spotlights young changemakers whose work today is shaping the fabric of Africa’s tomorrow.
John Onuigbo’s nomination recognizes his pioneering work in expanding access to science and technology education through digital innovation.
His company, Foris Labs, builds virtual science laboratories that enable secondary school students to conduct real-time experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology using computers or mobile devices.
The platform is currently being used by schools across Nigeria and has recorded remarkable success in improving learning outcomes.
Before founding Foris Labs, John launched Stemnovo NG, an initiative that equips young people in rural and semi-urban communities with hands-on skills in coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship. Since inception, over 17,000 students have participated in the program, with many going on to win national and international innovation competitions.
In 2021, John became the first African to win the Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge, a global innovation competition that recognizes creative solutions addressing issues in health, education, and wellbeing.
Under his leadership, Nigerian students have also achieved global acclaim, winning prizes at the Global Diamond Challenge, World Affairs Challenge, and UK–Nigeria Debate Championship.
In 2023 and 2024, Foris Labs was named among the Top 50 African EdTech Startups by HolonIQ and the Top 3 EdTech Startups in Nigeria by the Global EdTech Startup Awards.
Speaking on his nomination, John described the recognition as “a reflection of the work being done by many young Nigerians who are using innovation to make learning more inclusive.”
He added that the honor serves as motivation “to continue creating opportunities for students to learn and compete globally.”
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Education celebrates young Africans making measurable contributions toward improving learning outcomes across the continent.
This year’s edition continues its tradition of spotlighting individuals whose work demonstrates creativity, sustainability, and lasting impact in the education sector.
About Author
