NGOs, NCDMB train South-South teachers in robotics
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the science teachers, drawn from various schools in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, converged in Warri for a one-week intensive training.
In her address, Dr Elizabeth Eterigho, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Phoenixgirls Tech Foundation, stated that the training aims to contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Other facilitators of the programme, all of whom are advocates of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, included Contego Servo International Limited and Odyssey Educational Foundation.
NAN reports that the programme was sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
According to Eterigho, the initiative is intended to complement the efforts of the Ministry of Education by promoting a robust, skills-based educational framework that significantly enhances both teachers’ and students’ competencies in robotics.
She explained that the training forms part of the broader “Sustainable and Inclusive Skilled Economy Sensitisation and Training Programme for Secondary Schools”.
The CEO added that the programme was designed to sensitise, train, and empower teachers and students with essential robotic skills and the mindset needed to improve the quality of STEM education in an evolving global economy.
“The objectives of the programme include encouraging creativity and innovation through robotics challenges; teaching participants coding, engineering, and problem-solving skills; promoting teamwork; and inspiring sustainable solutions to real-world problems,” she said.
Eterigho emphasised that STEM education remains the cornerstone of innovation, economic growth, and social development in today’s rapidly changing world.
She noted that STEM education equips students with the skills necessary to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex and technology-driven landscape.
“Robotics, as an embodiment of STEM, provides a hands-on approach to learning that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration,” she said.
Beyond serving as educational tools, Eterigho said robotics also offers a gateway to understanding the world.
“Through robotics, students can explore complex concepts in physics, mathematics, and computer science in a tangible and engaging way.
“It encourages experimentation, innovation, and critical thinking skills essential for the 21st-century workforce”.
She noted that the theme of the programme underscores the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in economic development.
“As educators, we have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that our students are not only skilled but also conscious of the societal and environmental impacts of their work.
“Robotics can serve as a powerful tool in this regard, enabling students to develop solutions to real-world challenges, from environmental conservation to social equity,” she added.
Eterigho urged participants to remain focused, open to learning, and adaptable.
She assured them that the knowledge and skills gained during the training would not only enhance their teaching practices but also empower their students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Participating schools included: Community Secondary School, Kalio-Ama, Okrika and Community Secondary School, Rumuoro Ogbakri (Rivers); Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo and Ajoki Secondary School, Ajoki (Edo); and Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele.
Others include Iwere College, Koko, and Nana Model College, Warri (Delta); Community Secondary School, Okutukutu/Etegwe and Epie National High School, Kpansia, Yenagoa (Bayelsa).
One of the participants, Mr Vincent Ebire, a Mathematics teacher at Community Secondary School, Kalio-Ama, Okrika, expressed his appreciation to the organisers and pledged to pass on the knowledge gained to his students.
Also in attendance were Dr Silver Ejejigbe, Programme Coordinator; Mr Festus Erubore, NCDMB Training Manager, who represented the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Ogbe; and other dignitaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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