Schlumberger Foundation and Seeding Labs Advance STEM Education with Scientific Instrument Donation, Marking a Decade of Partnership
The initiative equips universities in developing nations with scientific instruments, directly addressing infrastructure gaps in STEM education and research. Since its inception, the initiative has facilitated the donation of over 2,500 pieces of equipment to 11 universities in Africa, impacting more than 30,000 students. The 10-year partnership aligns with the Schlumberger Foundation’s mission of powering STEM education as a key enabler of sustainable development.
EKITI, Nigeria | July 21, 2025: The Schlumberger Foundation, in partnership with Seeding Labs, successfully implemented a significant donation of scientific instruments to the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti in Nigeria. This contribution, formalized at a handover ceremony, not only equips another institution with research and educational tools, but also officially marks ten years of a powerful collaboration between both parties dedicated to strengthening STEM education and research infrastructure in developing countries.
For a decade, this partnership has strengthened STEM education and research infrastructure across Africa—facilitating the donation of over 2,500 pieces of equipment to 11 universities and positively impacting more than 30,000 students. Each of these institutions has also benefited from the return of Faculty for the Future Fellows—women from developing and emerging economies who, after earning advanced STEM degrees overseas, come back to teach and lead research. However, a major barrier remains: the lack of core scientific equipment. Without it, students miss out on hands-on learning, and lecturers are limited in their ability to conduct research, publish findings, and secure future grant opportunities.
“Without access to working labs, students are observers rather than participants in their own education,” said Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation. “Through our partnership with Seeding Labs, we’re helping to create environments where education is active, research is possible, and opportunities can grow. This latest donation in Ondo State, following a decade of shared commitment, underscores the enduring success and continued expansion of this vital initiative.”
Seeding Labs is a nonprofit organization supporting locally led development through science. Working collaboratively with select institutions in developing countries, Seeding Labs provides an often overlooked but critical element to these labs: infrastructure. In collaboration with partners, including the Schlumberger Foundation, Seeding Labs has shipped essential equipment to 42 developing countries since 2008. This equipment enables students to gain hands-on training previously limited to theory and empowers researchers with the tools needed to publish and secure international grants with improved lab capacity, fostering new collaborations with regional and global institutions.
“We are excited to celebrate a decade of impact in partnership with the Schlumberger Foundation,” said Melissa P. Wu, PhD., CEO, Seeding Labs. “When Faculty for the Future Fellows return home, one of the major barriers they find is a lack of infrastructure to use their skills and knowledge. By supporting their universities with equipment, we make it easier for women to return and stay in science. It has been inspiring to see so many women taking our partnership as a launching point for shaping the future of the communities they call home.”
“The arrival of this state-of-the-art equipment will significantly enhance our research capabilities, foster innovation, and provide our students with hands-on learning experiences that will prepare them for the challenges of the future.” added Dr. Olalekan Faboya, Head of Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
This collaborative effort directly supports the Schlumberger Foundation’s mission of powering education, innovation, and thought leadership through strategic investments in people and infrastructure. As the partnership with Seeding Labs enters its second decade, this latest milestone reflects steady progress and a shared commitment to broadening access to STEM opportunities where they are needed most.
About the Schlumberger Foundation
The Schlumberger Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports science and technology education. Recognizing the link between science, technology, and socio-economic development, as well as the key role of education in realizing individual potential, the Schlumberger Foundation flagship program is Faculty for the Future. Learn more about Faculty for the Future and the call for fellowship applications here.
About Seeding Labs
Seeding Labs is an award-winning nonprofit that has spent the last 15 years working to overcome a major barrier to global development: the extreme concentration of scientific capacity in just a handful of countries. Seeding Labs’ signature program, Instrumental Access, focuses on meeting the critical need for scientific equipment. They work with equipment manufacturers and end users to put their excess equipment to use at institutions in developing countries, where these resources are scarce and the need for them is greatest.
Media Contact
Tunde Aboaba – Communications Manager, West Africa, SLB
Email: taboaba@slb.com