Solar Sister Launches ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Project for Girls Across Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria and Washington D.C. – July 23, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Project, an exciting new initiative designed to equip 300 girls aged 11–14 across six all-girls schools in six Nigerian states, representing the country’s six geopolitical zones.

This project is a movement to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Designed for bright, capable girls who are ready to shape the future, but who too often face barriers that hold them back.

“At Solar Sister, we believe that the journey toward clean energy and climate justice must also be a journey of gender equality. Through our women-centered model, we’ve seen how empowering women as clean energy entrepreneurs does more than light up homes; it lights up pathways for entire communities. Our entrepreneurs serve as living proof that women can lead technological solutions, run profitable energy businesses, and inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Chioma Ome, Country Director for Solar Sister Nigeria.

“This STEM initiative is a natural extension of that model, where girls in school today can see themselves in the women leaders of today. We are here to equip them with not only the tools, but the confidence, mentorship, and vision to pursue bold STEM futures,” Ms Ome added.

Chief Executive of Solar Sister, Olasimbo Sojinrin, explained that for fifteen years of its existence, the organization, headquartered in the US, has been building a network of women entrepreneurs in different communities who are distributing a range of clean energy products, including solar lamps, solar home systems, and clean cooking products.

“A lot of times, these women are the only access point for clean energy in their communities. And when we started 11, 12 years ago in Nigeria, there were many communities that never touched or felt what solar is,” Ms Sojinrin added.

Ozemoya Okordion, Media and Communications Manager at ExxonMobil, said that with funding support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, the programme aims to inspire, educate, and empower young students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to pursue careers in STEM.

“Studies show that programmes directed at enabling women to reach their full potential transform not only their lives, but also the lives of those around them. They lead to stronger families, stronger communities, and stronger nations as well.

“Secondly, we see that by driving the interest of the girl child in the study of STEM, we have to nurture the next generation of women leaders and innovators. By investing in young minds through STEM education, we get to support the future of Nigeria as a country capable of thriving at a global scale and addressing global challenges,” he pointed out.

Blessing Ekanem, Operations Manager at Solar Sister, stated that since its inception, the organization has provided access to clean energy for over 5.5 million people, while empowering more than 12,000 women entrepreneurs.