By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The United Support for Science and Mathematics Project (UNSSM-Project), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged the Federal Government to invest more in Science and Mathematics education to boost national development.

Mr Kelvin Veakpe, Project Facilitator of UNSSM project, made the call at its Innovators Day programme at Coronation Preparatory Academy, Kuje, Kuje Area Council, FCT, Abuja.

The Innovators Day featured the award of ambassadorial honours in Mathematics to 104 students.

Veakpe said the Mathematics Ambassadors were selected from schools across the FCT.

He said it was aimed at demystifying mathematics and inspiring a new generation of innovators through strategic mentorship and competition.

Veakpe said that while UNSSM project and similar organisations were doing their bit in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), there was need for the government to drive such programmes.

“The government should focus more on sciences because our life itself revolves around sciences.

“I think it is very important for the government to look into this because some of the challenges we are having today as a nation is because we are not calculating enough.

“When you are talking about calculation, it entails sciences and mathematics.

“The government should key into this type of programme and provide avenues for children to showcase their talents and skills,” he said.

He said that the programme included assessing the students with school-based tests, an inter-school contest, where top performers would be rewarded with N2.5 million, among other prizes.

He said students who emerged as ambassadors could also benefit from a free six-week summer training on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and website design.

“We celebrate our ambassadors on the assembly ground in the presence of their parents during what we call the Innovators Day.

“This motivates both the learners and their peers to aspire higher,” he said.

Mr James Arlloo, Head of Coronation Preparatory Academy School, said no nation could develop without the application of science.

Arlloo also said that the application of science and mathematics broadens the learning scope of children.

“A government that does not encourage school towards ICT or sciences is doing more harm than good to the nation,” he said.

The school head also tasked the government on providing tools to support learning the teaching and learning of STEM in both government and private schools.

Omolola Olorunfemi, a Grade 3 pupil, said she was happy to be a Mathematics ambassador, adding that she would put in more effort in her studies, especially in Mathematics for more recognition.

Omolola Olorunfemi (middle) receiving her certificate
of recognition as Mathematics Ambassador

Mrs Agnes Udom, a parent, said she would support her child physically, mentally and in anyways she could to ensure she succeeded more in the future.

Udom urged parents to encourage their children to learn Mathematics.

UNSSM Project is an NGO dedicated to promoting Science and Mathematics education.

It inspires young minds through competitions, mentorship programmes, STEM initiatives to foster innovation and critical thinking.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne