More global and continental bodies have realized the imports of encouraging studies in Science-Technology-Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Whereas Chevron and Agbami parties have been driving the promotion of the four critical fields of study in Nigeria over the years in Nigeria, in Ghana, the Space Science Systems Research Institute (SSSRI), an independent research institute, recently unveiled plans to train 1000 girls at the basic and senior high schools nationwide in STEM.
The group said it is investing about $200,000 to train Ghanaian secondary school girls in STEM.
Business Hilights recalls that in 2018, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) partnered Agbami Parties and Lagos Business School (LBS) to train and educate Nigerian secondary students on the importance of STEM.
The STEM programme, initiated by Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a Chevron Company and other Agbami parties including Famfa Oil Limited, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Equinor Nigeria Limited and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited, in partnership with Lagos Business School (LBS), aims to align with the national efforts in encouraging the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
In his opening remarks, the director Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited; a Chevron Company, Mr. Richard Kennedy explained that “The overall objective of scheme is developing the capacity of STEM teachers and rekindling students’ interest in STEM studies which is the critical resource, required for future progress. It provides a platform to engage participants in a forward-thinking conversation on critical national education policy changes and corporate engagement platforms required to ensure the highest quality of teaching and learning of STEM in Nigeria”.
He added that the theme for the 2018 Agbami STEM symposium which is ‘teaching STEM in the 21st century: Current trends, international best practices and cross-sector action’ is apt considering the speed of technological development when compared with educational challenges in a developing economy.
Kennedy averred that “We hope that this programme will identify issues in Nigeria’s STEM education reforms and provide strategies to ensure that STEM education is elevated to a national priority. It will also identify improved or alternative learning approaches in STEM education”
“To succeed in this new information-based and technology-driven global society, Nigerian youths need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels for exceeding what was considered acceptable in the past,” Kennedy averred.
In his Vote of Thanks, the Group General Manager, NAPIMS/NNPC, Mr. Rowland Ebuware said “At NAPIMS, as an agency that is in charge of managing NNPC’s investment, the most important investment for us is the investment in human capital, and especially in securing the future of our young ones by supporting education”.
Giving insights on the programme in Accra, with the slogan: ‘Get 1000 Girls in STEM Education’, the Director of Communications at the Research Institute, Mr. Kow Nketsia-Richardson, said the aim of the sponsorship is to ignite young girls’ interest in STEM education, inspire creativity and curiosity in females through hands-on practical activities and fight stereotypes and obstacles facing girls in the country.
He explained more during the celebration of this year’s United Nations International Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, saying the training would stimulate critical-thinking skills, foster collaboration and prioritise problem-based learning, which would drive innovation and fuel economic success.
“Our goal is that through demonstrations, conversations and engaging in hands-on practical base experiments presented by women in STEM education, young girls will become empowered, cultivate confidence, and develop a deeper understanding that everything is possible in life.
“We have been promoting STEM education among schools in a holistic and coherent manner, with strategies that embrace renewing the curricula of STEM education and enriching the learning activities for students.
“We also provide learning and teaching resources, enhance professional development of students and teachers, as well as strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders and maintain professional communities,” he explained.
Business Hilights Ghana Bureau chief reports that the UN Day was marked on the theme: “Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth”.
Additional report showed that Ghana has persistent inequities in access, participation, and success in STEM subjects that existed along socio-economic, gender, and geographic lines, as well as among students with disabilities.
