STEM - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Apr, Mon, 2025

STEM: NNPC Foundation donates 25,000 books to 25 schools

208 total views today

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

Industrialist makes case for empowering women for leadership, STEM

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Mon, 2025

General News

Industrialist makes case for empowering women for leadership, STEM

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

An industrialist, Mrs Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo, has outlined key action plans to support women in leadership, business, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Bakare-Okeowo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FAE Envelopes Ltd., have the outline at the Lagos Business School (LBS) 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) event on Saturday.

She emphasised the need for women to access continuous leadership development and professional growth opportunities to thrive in their careers.

According to her, these opportunities include formal training programmes, leadership workshops, and executive coaching.

She highlighted female leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu, and Dr Lisa Su as proof that women can lead industries to new heights.

The industrialist stressed that investing in women’s economic empowerment fosters gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

She noted that women contribute significantly to economies—whether in business, farming, entrepreneurship, employment, or unpaid care work at home.

“One major way to support women in STEM is by establishing strong mentorship programmes offering guidance, support, and networking opportunities to advance their careers,” she said.

She explained that pairing women with experienced mentors builds confidence and provides access to vital industry knowledge.

“Both formal and informal mentorship opportunities are valuable. Formal programmes offer structured meetings and goals, while informal mentoring occurs through casual conversations and peer interactions,” she added.

Bakare-Okeowo also advocated for gender-responsive infrastructure to meet the needs of women and girls, enabling inclusive and sustainable development.

She said infrastructure systems such as energy, transport, water, sanitation, schools, housing, hospitals, waste management, and digital communications could empower women.

She called for greater participation of women and girls in sports and creative arts, urging targeted efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

“A Nigeria where women and girls thrive is a Nigeria that prospers.

“Empowering women and girls is not just a moral imperative; it is a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth, social development, and national progress,” she stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Former VC urges college to broaden STEM education

Ismail Abdulaziz
Dec, Sun, 2024

General News

Former VC urges college to broaden STEM education

373 total views today

By Peter Okolie

A former Acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Prof. Peter Akah, has urged institutions in the country to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Akah made the call in a lecture to mark the 75th anniversary celebration of Bishop Shanahan College (BSC), Orlu, near Owerri, on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the diamond jubilee celebration, has theme, “Honouring our Past, Celebrating our Present, and Inspiring our Future,”.

It was attended by members of the college alumni, students and prominent Nigerians.

Akah, an alumnus of the college, emphasised the need for the institution to continue evolving to meet the changing demands of society.

He called for the incorporating of sophisticated digital literacy programmes and establishment of coding laboratories to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a technologically-advanced society.

“Strategies should be in place to ensure that the curriculum is consistently updated, incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving, and research components that maintain students at the forefront of intellectual and academic growth,” he said.

The former vice chancellor underscored the importance of mentorship programmes, workshops on career development, smart classroom technology and new innovations to maintain the college’s academic track record.

He also called for the construction of a modern sports complex, counselling and wellness centre, among others, at the college.

Akah disclosed that the college had produced 17 professors and five vice chancellors, while a good number had been appointed judges or served in government’s positions.

According to him, there is no area of human endeavours that BSC Old Boys are not doing “fantastically marvelous”, be it engineering, pharmacy, architecture, surveying, civil service, teaching, medicine, religious and traditional institutions or business.

He said the celebration aimed to foster a sense of unity among the community, alumni, and students, and to motivate current and future students on principles that the college had upheld.

In a speech, the National President of BSC Old Boys Association, Hyacinth Mbachu, called for the establishment of more branches in the country and diaspora to foster physical, social interactions among members.

Mbachu commended the Old Boys for embarking on various projects that had lifted the aesthetic value and functionality of the college.

Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Tochukwu Ukwuoma, urged the alumnus not to lose hope in the face of challenges.

He commended them for celebrating the diamond jubilee and solicited more support from the body to give the college a facelift.

The Principal of the College, Rev. Fr. Chidubem Ohaeri, also assured the association that he would continue to promote morals, character, academic excellence and human development of the students in the college.

NAN reports that the celebration also featured the launch of BSC Endowment Fund, meant to support the college’s development and sustainability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah