Nigerian-born educators Oluwatoyin Kode and Adeolu Kode have emphasized that a solid foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is essential for making African students competitive on the global stage.
In a statement on Thursday, the couple, co-founders of STEM Prep Tutoring in the United States, highlighted how their STEM-focused academic support helps African immigrant children overcome learning gaps abroad, while also promoting digital empowerment in rural Nigerian communities.
“When African children migrate, the intelligence is there, but the system shock is real. STEM knowledge gives them confidence, relevance, and a global language that cuts across borders,” Oluwatoyin said. She noted that many Nigerian students who arrive in the U.S. as top performers often struggle within months due to differences in teaching styles, curriculum structure, and digital learning tools. “A child who excelled in Lagos suddenly feels lost in class. It’s not a failure of ability, it’s a failure of transition support,” she added.
Oluwatoyin explained that research informed their approach, citing studies showing that over 65% of newly arrived African students experience academic regression in their first year. “We realized that without deliberate support, many brilliant children would be left behind,” she said, explaining that this led to the launch of STEM Prep Tutoring in March 2019.
The programme was designed to decode the U.S. education system for African parents while strengthening students’ STEM and digital skills. “Our mission was clear: Close learning gaps quickly, empower parents with knowledge, and position African students for competitive STEM careers,” she said.
Since inception, STEM Prep Tutoring has supported over 820 students, with learners recording an average 28% improvement in Mathematics and English within three months. Seven out of ten students who initially performed below grade level now meet or exceed expectations. The organisation has also recorded SAT score increases of 180 to 360 points, with some students scoring above 1,400 and gaining admission into top U.S. universities.
Beyond test scores, the programme emphasizes early exposure to technology. Students are trained in coding, robotics, AI fundamentals, and web development, with some middle-schoolers already building apps and websites.
Oluwatoyin highlighted that the programme’s success is rooted in cultural fluency. “African parents have high expectations, and we understand that. We don’t encourage mediocrity, but we also understand the emotional pressure immigrant children face.” She added that parents often express relief at being understood: “They tell us, ‘You understand our children, you understand us,’ and that trust makes all the difference.”
Adeolu noted that their shared lived experience helps them connect deeply with families. “We’ve walked this path ourselves, so we know how to guide both parents and students through it,” he said. The organisation’s work has gained international recognition, with AP News describing STEM Prep Tutoring as a model for equitable STEM empowerment. “That recognition showed global relevance, but our focus has always been impact, not publicity,” he added.
The Kodes also stressed that diaspora success should translate into homegrown development. In 2024, Oluwatoyin sponsored a digital-skills training programme for 25 secondary school students in Eruwa, Oyo State, teaching basic coding, computer literacy, internet research, and data handling. “By the end, students could write simple code and create digital projects,” he said.
Adeolu described the initiative as strategic rather than charitable, explaining: “If we want Nigeria to compete globally, digital skills must reach rural communities too.” Local leaders praised the programme as a rare opportunity for rural students, but Oluwatoyin downplayed personal credit: “It’s not a gift; it’s a responsibility.”
The Kodes said their work reflects a broader vision of national development driven by education. “In the U.S., confident Nigerian students pursue high-income careers and contribute meaningfully to the economy. That also strengthens Nigeria’s global reputation,” Adeolu said. He added that impact at home is equally important: “Digital literacy opens doors for rural youth previously excluded. Early exposure creates future-ready Nigerians.”
Looking ahead, STEM Prep Tutoring plans to launch a global digital learning academy, expand its Nigeria-based programmes, establish a scholarship fund for African immigrant students, and partner with Nigerian schools to boost STEM exposure. “With Nigeria’s youth population projected to exceed 100 million within a decade, we cannot delay. We are raising a generation that must compete globally, and my job is to ensure they are prepared,” Adeolu said.
