By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Foundation Ltd. has begun distribution of 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) text books and mini libraries to 25 secondary schools across the country to bridge gap in technological innovation and advancement.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd. said this on Monday while unveiling 1,000 STEM books and mini science library at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The NNPC Foundation is the social impact company of the NNPC Limited, undertaking key initiatives in education, empowerment, health, environment and access to energy to boost social-economic development since inception in 2023.

Arukwe said the donation was the second phase of the initiative, highliting that the foundation in 2024 donated  15,000 STEM books to 15 schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country and the FCT.

According to Arukwe, the world is increasingly technology-driven, hence it will be important to equip the youth with relevant skills to keep up with a fast-paced technological world and to foster economic development.

“The unveiling today at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja is symbolic, because we will be replicating same in 24 states of the country, across the six geopolitical zones, within the month of April 2025.

“As part of our educational initiatives, we are pleased to introduce the STEM books and Shelves Distribution Project, designed to enhance the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in secondary schools across Nigeria.

“A total of 40,000 STEM text books, from the first and second phases of this initiative are to be distributed to public secondary schools in the 36 States and the FCT.

“With the identified schools receiving 1,000 copies each and a designated library bookshelf for storage and accessibility.

“We believe that the gifted children have done so well and it will further help them in their studies and future career choices in academic pursuit,” she said.

She decried limited access to STEM education in Nigeria, especially with paucity of requisite materials to enhance the learning process.

The director said the NNPC Foundation was driving the initiative in secondary schools to build interest among the youths to enable them to them to navigate the modern world of science and technology.

“With this initiative, NNPC Foundation demonstrates its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on quality education and reducing inequality by ensuring that underserved communities received required support to boost STEM learning,” she said.

The Principal of the school, Malam Bello Audu lauded the gesture, adding that it was a testament to the foundation’s commitment towards education and support for the students development.

“Your partnership with us is a shinning example of the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations and communities come together to make a difference.

“As a school for the Gifted, as the name implies, we are not asking for too much, but our gratitude should supersede any further request from your foundation.

“We are honoured to be given this donation by the NNPC Foundation. All children are gifted but the students are admitted here to unlock their gifts.

“The school lacks ICT gadgets such as desktop computers, laptops, and internet facilities. We look forward to receiving such gestures from your good office.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration and exploring ways to work together to enhance the educational experience of our students,” he said.

Some of the students also expressed appreciation to the foundation for the gesture to enable them to enhance academic excellence.

Anyanwu Ugonnaya, an SS3 science student, said the science books would assist them, especially in the forthcoming Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

“STEM text books will help us while doing assignment, reading and researching.

“The donation will help future generations to come to get acquainted with knowledge easily, especially the less privileged, who cannot afford all books,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali