NGO seeks more investments in STEM education for Nigeria’s economic growth
ANon-governmental Organisation (NGO), Webfala Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative (WDSFAI), has appealed to government at all levels to make more investment in STEM education in order for Nigerian students to compete favourably in the digital and knowledge-driven global economy.
The Founder and Executive Director of WDSFAI, Nafisat Bakare made the appeal on Thursday in Ilorin at the maiden Kwara STEM Funfest hosted by the organisation for secondary school students.
The theme of the event ‘Igniting Children’s Passion in STEM’, sought to inspire children’s love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and expose teachers and parents to the possibilities and opportunities in the fields.
Bakare explained that “STEM builds upon the concept of STEM by emphasizing the integral role of ‘Arts’ and creativity in the learning process.
In recent years, the concept of STEM has gained popularity in the world of education.
“Specifically, STEM provides value by exposing young-adults to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. When the Arts are infused into STEM, you create the platform for children to engage critically, creatively and confidently in their learning,” Bakare said.
Speaking further, Bakare said that STEM education extends beyond teaching kids concepts in Science and Mathematics as it focuses on hands-on learning with real world applications that helps children develop a variety of 21st century skill sets including creativity, innovation, media literacy, critical thinking and problem solving skills, social and communication skills, among others.
“Irrespective of the future career path taken by the students, these skills will prepare them to be innovative and become active players in the economy. We all know that technological advancement and innovation are critical components of economic growth and development,” she added.
She, however, lamented that despite the critical importance of STEM to sustainable economic growth and development, Nigeria still ranks among nations with little investment in STEAM education.
“It is saddening that Nigeria still ranks among nations with little or no investment in STEM education. In order for Nigeria to favourably compete in this digital and knowledge-driven global economy, we must prioritise STEM education and careers for young Nigerians. This is why we are appealing to the government at all levels to make more investments in STEM education. We must adequately integrate STEM education into our curriculum.
“It is clear that most jobs of the future will require at least a basic understanding of STEM. This is why it is important for school students to have a solid knowledge base in STEM.”
While delivering his keynote address, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Inuwa Abdullahi described STEM as a global necessity, adding that many lucrative jobs at home and abroad required STEM education.
Abdullahi, who was represented by the Agency’s Director of Standards, Guidelines and Framework, Oladejo Olawunmi, encouraged the students to be curious, have passion for learning and acquire digital literacy skills that will enable them create their own future and compete globally in this digital age.
He added that NITDA is excited to be part of this year’s STEAMFEST and looks forward to more of such educative digital literacy programmes for young Nigerians in the Technology space.
“The Kwara STEM Funfest keys into one of NITDA’S strategic pillars; Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which seeks to engage youths to come up with innovative solutions to indigenous challenges through organizing hackathons, innovation challenges and conducting research to turn ideas into products and services,” he said.