Imagine two 16-year-olds carrying their intricate cardboard bridge model for 5 kilometers, driven by the belief that their talent deserves recognition. This isn’t a movie scene; it happened at ENGAUSA GLOBAL TECH HUB in Nigeria!
The story unfolds with Abubakar Idris and Ilyasu Ilyasu, armed with their creation named the “RMK Bridge,” boldly entering the hub. This wasn’t just any bridge; it boasted four entry points, six exits, and a complexity that rivaled professional models. Even more astounding, they built it entirely from recycled cardboard,
guided only by their imagination.
What began as a casual game of construction has blossomed into a passion for these young minds. It all started with simple playtime, using building blocks and materials to create structures as a way to pass the time. But amidst the fun, something clicked – a spark ignited their curiosity and a love for design and construction was born.
Soon, their playful creations evolved from basic shapes to miniature models of familiar landmarks. Supermarkets, filling stations, and even houses popped up, each one a testament to their growing skills and attention to detail. But these young builders weren’t content to stop there. They craved a bigger challenge, pushing their boundaries to tackle more complex structures.
And that’s how the impressive bridge, now proudly displayed at ENGAUSA, came to be. It’s a tangible symbol of their journey, a testament to their dedication and their insatiable desire to learn and create. Witnessing their transformation, from playful tinkering to aspiring engineers, fills us with immense pride and excitement for the future they are building, brick by brick.
Their journey wasn’t easy. They hailed from a remote area, attended a basic government school (“Garba Kauye”), and lacked formal training. Yet, their passion and ingenuity shone through. They hadn’t received recognition elsewhere, but they heard about ENGAUSA’s commitment to talent and took a leap of faith.
Their faith paid off. The MD, Engr. Mustapha Habu Ringim, stopped everything to witness their work. He saw not just a bridge, but a symbol of potential waiting to be nurtured. He addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of harnessing talent, especially in developing nations like Nigeria, where hardship often fuels creativity.
ENGAUSA’s founder revealed their secret: teaching in the language of the talents’ thoughts. Recognizing the boys’ exceptional potential, Engr. Ringim offered them a life-changing scholarship worth N70,000 He also invited their guardians to formalize their inclusion in the ENGAUSA family.
The story doesn’t end there. The General Manager and Executive Assistant lauded the teenagers’ courage and vision. They challenged them to tackle real-world problems, like designing bridges for congested roads, hinting at future opportunities and support.
This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a testament to the power of belief, talent, and opportunity. ENGAUSA’s commitment to nurturing young minds paves the way for a brighter future, where even a cardboard bridge built with imagination can become a stepping stone to success.
