A team of experts overseeing the implementation of the Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative has urged the Federal Government to ensure integration of the scheme into pre-primary, primary and secondary schools to enhance growth in technological advancement.

Speaking at the presentation of the project report in Abuja, the Chairman of the implementation team, Prof. Emeritas Nwaorgu, said addressing hindrances to the STEAM project is critical to Nigeria’s competitiveness in the science and technology-driven world.

Nwaorgu emphasised the importance of integrating STEAM into the basic education curriculum, saying it would promote interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on activities.

She added that the integration of STEAM in schools across the country would also improve the performance of candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), lamenting, however, that despite the benefits of STEAM education, the project lacks the necessary priorities and support for its full implementation in the country.

She maintained that Nigeria needs the STEAM initiative to imbue students with the ability to think critically at a very young age.

“When you introduce design into learning, programme, it makes it better and you can start teaching children at a younger age, moulding them to have critical minds at a younger age,” she said.

Nwaorgu disclosed that the project, which was piloted in the six states of Adamawa, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers, and Sokoto, had 222 teachers selected by the Ministry of Education for interaction with the implementation team.

Already, she said the scheme, which started in 2023, is being implemented by some private schools, while public schools are yet to adopt the initiative.

She added that the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) are working with the implementation team to incorporate STEAM policies into the curriculum, strengthening the capacity of teachers, and creating awareness in schools.

The scholar noted one of the achievements recorded so far by the project was its inclusion in the 2024 education roadmap of the federal government and a draft policy document for STEAM in Nigeria.

She recommended the replication of the STEAM educational activities in the 30 remaining states of the federation, noting that the team expects improvement in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) performance of candidates in the six pilot states.

Earlier, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who was represented by JAMB’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mufutau Bello, said the project would be the beginning of collaboration with various academies in Nigeria.

Oloyede expressed hope that the team would leverage the many opportunities available in research to positively impact the sector.