Delta Govt commits to partnership in developing STEM education

Delta State government has pledged to partner with private organisations in the state towards the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, gave the assurance at the Nnoli Akpedeye Girls In STEM Scholarship (NAGISS) Science workshop and competition organised by the Compos Mentis Foundation in partnership with the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, Delta State Chapter.

About nine secondary schools in Warri and environs participated in the NAGISS science competition and workshop. The schools include Alegbo Secondary School, Ebrumede Secondary School, Okpaka Secondary School, Unity Modern School, Agbarho, College of Commerce, Warri. Others are Ekete Grammar School, Essi College, Warri, Emadadja Grammar School and Ugbolokposu Secondary School.

The scholarship awardees are Akpojivi Favour (Okpaka Secondary School); Akpede Favour (Ebrumede Secondary School); Uwakwe Ogechi (Alegbo Secondary School); Ms Seleoba Jennifer, (Ugbolokposo Secondary School) and Ogane Joy, (Unity School, Agbarho).

Speaking on the theme, ‘STEM Power – Unleashing the Genius of Future Innovators’, Ezewu said the state government was deeply committed to the development of STEM education at all levels.

In a statement, the commissioner expressed gratitude to Compos Mentis Foundation for the initiative, calling on other corporate organisations and stakeholders to invest more in STEM education, particularly for girls.

According to her, NAGISS is not only an investment in education, but also a catalyst for the transformation of society.

“We will continue to partner with organisations like Compos Mentis Foundation to ensure young girls have access to the tools, resources and mentorship needed to excel in STEM.

“Education is the foundation upon which nations are built. This is why initiatives like NAGISS are invaluable, not only providing scholarships but also guidance, motivation, and real-life role models for young girls,” she said.

In her remarks, the Executive Chairman of Compos Mentis Foundation, Nnoli Akpedeye, who is the initiator of the programme, explained that the project commenced in 2023 with five beneficiaries.

Akpedeye said the initiative was a way of encouraging science education among girls, adding that the foundation had extended university scholarships to the two beneficiaries from the maiden edition who gained admission to study engineering courses at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State. According to her, engineering is an excellent and rewarding career for females.

“This is the second edition of the programme. It is an honour for me to serve. However, I would not be the person I am today without the support of so many people,” she said.

Also speaking, the lead presenter, Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho, emphasised that STEM is not just about creating jobs but also about fixing problems. Eterigho, also a past president of APWEN, urged the girl-child to be curious, bold and determined, noting that they would definitely face challenges but should persevere.