What we talked about
In this thought-provoking episode, we have the privilege of hosting John Onuigbo, a true pioneer in the world of education and social entrepreneurship. John is not your typical educator. He’s a visionary, an innovator, and a force for positive change. As the CEO and co-founder of Foris Labs, he embarked on a remarkable journey in the midst of a pandemic to address one of the most pressing educational challenges facing vulnerable communities. Foris Labs, a virtual science laboratory brand, empowers students with the ability to transform any space into a science laboratory through experiment simulations. It’s an idea that’s not only groundbreaking but also vital, especially in times when access to physical laboratories is limited. In recognition of its impact, Foris Labs was named one of the top three edtech startups in Nigeria by the Global Edtech Startup Awards in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022, John was also recognized as one of the Top 20 young African entrepreneurs by the Regional Universities Forum (RUFORUM), solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the field. Join us for an episode that explores the intersection of education, innovation, and social impact. John’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion and purpose converge, and we’re excited to share his story with you.
Show notes
Building a virtual science lab during a pandemic is one thing. Sustaining it, and proving it works, in markets where students are accessing experiments on a phone because there is no laptop at home, is another. John Onuigbo has been doing both since 2020, and his story reveals how constrained environments can sharpen the design of educational tools.
What we covered
- John launched Foris Labs after realizing that if classes could move virtual during COVID-19, there was no reason science labs couldn’t too, and that no major player was filling that gap in West Africa.
- The simulation software enforces experimental procedure step by step: students cannot advance if they use the wrong proportions, which shifts teacher feedback from process errors to outcome analysis.
- The planned next version of the product separates a guided curriculum mode from an open sandbox mode, giving students room to experiment freely, including the “what if I mix the wrong things” curiosity that drives engagement.
- Before Foris Labs, John ran a coding and robotics school for high schools, where he paired technical instruction with an entrepreneurship track explicitly teaching students how to turn skills into income and social enterprises.
- At one all-girls school, fewer than 1% of students historically chose engineering fields; after years of working with John’s program, students began entering computer engineering and software engineering in meaningful numbers.
- John’s measure of success is the ripple effect: a student who competed in a global entrepreneurship competition, won a scholarship and a laptop, enrolled in computer engineering, and then returned to teach younger students how to code.
About John Onuigbo
John is the CEO and co-founder of Foris Labs, a virtual science laboratory platform recognized as a top three edtech startup in Nigeria by the Global Edtech Startup Awards in 2021 and 2022. He is also a classroom teacher, curriculum builder, and a 2022 Top 20 Young African Entrepreneur honoree by RUFORUM who has worked directly with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education on STEM initiatives.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnonuigbo1
- Website: https://forislabs.com
Episode 2 of the PreVetted Podcast.