Worried by the current state of traditional education system in Nigeria, educationists, industry players have called for innovative approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to secure the future of youths.
Educationists observed that Nigerian students especially those in public primary and secondary schools are largely uninspired to pursue their passion in STEM related fields, thereby leaving them unprepared for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century world.
Reports indicate that Nigerian students rank low among students of both the industrialised and developing countries when it comes to achievement in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in test scores and other assessments of academic achievement in both foundation and external examinations.
Industry experts insist that for Nigeria to attract and sustain the needed investments in STEM education, the formulation of an education policy that is focused on STEM; less emphasis on certificates with more emphasis on skills and competence; collaboration between educational institutions and industries to determine the knowledge and skills students are expected to possess.
Ibilola Amao, principal consultant Lonadek Limited, while speaking at the 13th edition of the Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative (YERI) in Lagos said the initiative is geared towards helping to develop the leadership, entrepreneurial, professional and vocational skills of the Nigerian youth especially in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and also provide them exposure to industry.
The one week Summer Camp programme enlighten and empower students with STEM skills which can be further harnessed to solving challenges in our community.
The programme also aimed to help students develop and implement innovative ideas that can make real life impact on the society, and also expose them to career opportunities available in the STEM industries such as Energy, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Engineering, Agriculture, Technology sectors of the economy.
Amao stressed that by the year 2020, the project would have successfully impacted one hundred thousand youths across Nigeria with relevant skills, industry and professional awareness trainings.
“In the long run, more youths would have been prepared to take up challenges in different spheres of our national development and add tremendous value to the socio-economic transformation drive of the nation,” she said.
She further said that having identified the issues that underscored the slow progress of youth development in STEM and national development by extension, the project model offers a life line to the underprivileged youths through counselling and Industry Awareness Workshops in major cities across Nigeria.
The week long programme hosted about 31 students from 10 Secondary Schools in Lagos state.
Highlight of the programme was the presentation of awards to Osegbo Chinaza, from Queen’s College Yaba, Olisama Chisom from CEDEC International and Onuoha Chinerem Favour from Queen’s College Yaba who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the essay completion.
Other categories of winners in the Summer Camp include: Hamzah Idris from Arch Deacon Adelaja Senior High School for being the Most Outstanding Male Student and Amazing grace Kalu Olua from Queen’s College Yaba for being the Most Outstanding Female Student.
KELECHI EWUZIE
