Ogona Anita
Brainstrust International Schools, Kaduna, has reaffirmed its commitment to practical science education with the successful staging of its 2026 Science Festival, where students showcased over 70 innovative projects translating classroom theories into tangible solutions.
The biennial event, held on February 12, 2026, drew parents, invited guests, traditional rulers and education stakeholders to witness what school authorities described as a celebration of creativity, innovation and applied knowledge.
Speaking at the event, the Proprietor of the school, Dr. Stephen Isaac, underscored the importance of practical learning, noting that science education must move beyond textbooks to real-life applications.
“Science is not just about theory. It is about applying knowledge to solve problems and create solutions,” he said, adding that the festival provides students the opportunity to transform ideas conceived in the classroom into workable products.
Displayed projects cut across various fields, including electricity generation, windmills, model aircraft, motor vehicles, blenders, bicycles, wood-cutting devices and other mechanical innovations, reflecting the depth of exposure given to the students.
Dr. Isaac recalled the story of an alumnus who sought permission to refine a project he had developed during a
previous edition of the festival and present it as his final-year work at the university.
According to him, the former student successfully upgraded the earlier invention, demonstrating the lasting impact of early scientific exposure.
“That singular experience proves that science knowledge is indispensable. What students learn here can shape their academic and professional futures,” he said.
The festival featured competitive team-based activities, with students grouped under four science icons: Team Blue (Galileo), Team Red (Isaac Newton), Team Orange (Michael Faraday) and Team Yellow (Albert Einstein). The teams competed in activities such as memory tests, skeletal anatomy identification, titration experiments and electricity generation challenges.
In his goodwill message, the Director of Administration, Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Mr. Marcus Kachiro, commended the school for sustaining a culture of scientific excellence and urged students to remain focused on their studies.
Traditional ruler His Highness Alh. Abdullahi Rabo Sarki of Sabo Layi K/Mashi Kaduna and other guests also lauded the management for investing in practical education, describing the initiative as a foundation for future technological advancement.
A highlight of the event was the testimony of Mr. Emmanuel Agim, an alumnus of about 20 years and now a nurse at a federal government hospital.
He credited his career path to the strong foundation he received in Biology at the school, particularly under the guidance of his teacher, Mr. Michael Odey.
“I discovered my passion for nursing through the encouragement and teaching I received here. Students should take their studies seriously because the future rewards are real,” he advised.
In a related development, Brainstrust International Schools recently clinched first position at the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair Inter-School Quiz Competition, competing against 10 schools from Kaduna and Zaria.
The victory prizes were presented during the festival ceremony by a visiting traditional ruler His Highness Alh Abdullahi Rabo, Sarki of Sabo Layi K/Mashi, Kaduna.
Guests later toured the exhibition stands, where students personally demonstrated and explained their projects, drawing admiration for their ingenuity and confidence.
Also speaking, the Vice Principal (Academics), Mr. Michael Odey, said the Science Festival is organised every two years to deepen students’ understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on projects.
“Before the event, students work on several ideas. After evaluation, approved projects are selected for exhibition. This year, over 70 projects met the standard,” he explained.
On funding, Odey noted that parents currently bear the financial responsibility for the projects but hinted that the school may seek support from corporate organisations in the future to expand the initiative.
He appealed to parents to continue encouraging their children’s creative efforts, stressing that sustained support would help nurture innovation.
With its 2026 edition successfully concluded, Brainstrust International Schools has once again positioned itself as a hub for practical science education in Kaduna, reinforcing the belief that innovation begins in the classroom but must ultimately find expression in the real world.
By Felix A. Sha’adu
