By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) says it has concluded plans to establish vocational and technology centres across the six area councils of the FCT.
Acting Executive Chairman of the Board, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, disclosed this at the maiden edition of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship stakeholder meeting, organised by the board, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Wenegieme explained that the initiative aimed to promote the use of locally available resources in communities to promote innovation and technology among school children in the areas.
She said that the initiative would be driven by the already appointed Science Coordinators and Local Education Authority Secretaries in all the six area councils.
“We equally have science teachers in all our schools and zonal coordinators of sciences to support the initiative,” she also said.
She added that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, through equipping school children with self-reliance skills.
“In basic schools, the renewed hope agenda focuses on building entrepreneurship skills among students. We want our students to be job creators after completing basic education.
“There should be job creators and employers of labour and not job seekers,” she said.
She reiterated the FCT UBEB’s commitment to providing quality, inclusive, and functional basic education that prepared every child for life, work, and lifelong learning.
She added that the board was determined to create an enabling environment where innovation thrives, teachers empowered, and learners inspired to explore their full potential.
Wenegieme said that the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, educators, development partners, and the private sector.
According to her, successful implementation of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship programmes requires collective responsibility, shared vision, and sustained partnerships.
In her remarks, Mrs Angela Nwachukwu Director, Department of Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said that the meeting was organised to create a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment.
Nwachukwu added that the meeting would help develop strategies that would enhance the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship into classroom teaching.
“This will ensure that our students acquire skills that are relevant to real-life situations and future career opportunities.
“We also intend to build the capacity of teachers by promoting innovative teaching methods, encouraging continuous professional development, and supporting the use of modern instructional tools.
“This, in the long run, will improve classroom delivery and learner participation,” she said.
Similarly, the Deputy Director in the Department, Mr Idris Isiaku, said that the meeting was to formally introduce the department and clearly communicate its mandate, vision, and strategic direction to stakeholders.
He added that the meeting was also organised to sensitise stakeholders to the critical role of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in transforming basic education.
“The transformation is equipping learners not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills needed for self-reliance and national development,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker
