Group urges students to embrace STEM

A non-governmental organisation, Science Olympiad Nigeria, in collaboration with Covenant University, Ota, has stressed the need for students to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), saying it would aid national development.

Speaking at the Science Olympiad National Tournament, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, explained that the event was aimed at improving the quality of science education, increase students’ interest in science, create a technologically literate workforce, and provide recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers.

“Our world has continued to experience transformation on diverse fronts, and we must be abreast of the ensuing changes. STEM education facilitates transformation by providing students with a new mindset and valuable professional skills. It enables young people to be flexible, find links, and evaluate prevailing challenges,” Abiodun stated.

The VC added that there is a need to raise next generation scientists, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and breed a more technically knowledgeable and seasoned productive workforce for the country.

He pointed out that through STEM education, young people can acquire life-applicable skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, curiosity, decision-making, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the ability to handle failure positively.

“These skill sets help prepare young people to be innovative irrespective of their chosen career path,” he added.

National Director, Science Olympiad Nigeria, Mr Adewumi Odunaike, said there is a need to combine effort among decision makers, stakeholders, and the general public towards changing the course of science and technology for a sustainable future.

According to him, the tournament provided an opportunity for students and learners to prepare towards actualising their dream of becoming successful scientists in the 21st Century.

“It is in the long term a means to discover and raise science and technology leaders of tomorrow to revolutionise our development, ensure supply of scientific and technical manpower and resources, thereby in creating production and productivity,” he stated.

Speaking about the award, Odunaike explained that 26 schools were registered to participate in the competition, drawn from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Abia, Osun, Anambra, Kaduna and Zamfara, but some could not attend the finals due to insecurity.

TSI Nursery and Primary School, Ifako International School and Giggles Montessori School, all from Lagos State, emerged winner, first and second runners-up respectively, in the primary school category, while TSI College, Skyfield International College, Ondo State, and Kings Anchor College, Lagos, emerged winner, first and second runners-up respectively, in the junior school category.

Other award categories included Best school’s introduction video, Best school of the decade; and Coach of the decade. Winners were rewarded with cash gifts, science equipment, and plaques.

Secretary, Executive Committee on Innovation and Strategy, Chemical Society of Nigeria, Okeh Ochulo, said the tournament involved theoretical and practical knowledge of students in solving everyday problems.

He noted that nations are changed by science, as it is the foundation of everything.

“We cannot develop without science, so, it is essential to catch these students when they are young,” Ochulo said.

A staff of TSI School, Oluwafemi Adenuga, said though it was herculean combining school activities with preparations for the competition, it was worth the experience.

Adenuga said the students are already coming up with projects, which is an inspiration for what they can do in the future.