An NGO, Alfred Komolafe Educational Foundation (AKEF), has called on governments at all levels to allocate special funding for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria.
AKEF Founder, Dr Alfred Komolafe, made the call on Wednesday in Ibadan during the launching of STEM Clinic by the organisation.
Komolafe, an Ibadan indigene, is the Fourth District Commissioner in Wisconsin, USA.
The UTME STEM clinic was launched by AKEF, in collaboration with Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN).
Komolafe urged the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly to appropriate special funds for STEM education in Nigeria.
He said that 80 per cent of the fastest growing careers required STEM education, saying that prevalence of quality applied science and technological knowledge could certainly turn the country’s economy around.
“Evidence worldwide shows that public investment in STEM can advance nations toward a strong economy, healthy population and sustainable environment.
“Sadly, our country has fallen behind in STEM education compared with other countries, and STEM programmes are still not well-funded and prioritised in schools,’’ he said.
Komolafe said that such could also increase the GDP level as well as catapult Nigeria into an economic hub and first-world country like Singapore.
He called on government at all levels to provide good stimulus for a pragmatic science and technology education to reduce unemployment and poverty.
Komolafe appreciated Gov. Seyi Makinde’s giant strides and relentless efforts at laying solid educational foundation for students in the state.
He said that the success of STEM education required quality and dedicated teachers, adding that they had crucial role to play.
Komolafe urged the students to take STEM education seriously, saying that it was one of the best ways of locking their future for great success.
Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, commended Komolafe on the laudable initiative, saying the state government was ready to collaborate on every developmental effort.
Adeniran, who was represented by SUBEB Executive Secretary, Mr Olusanjo Adeniyi, said that the Makinde- administration had continually evolved policies and programmes toward developing education in the state.
He called on parents, NGOs and other well-meaning individuals in the state to support government’s efforts, as government alone could not do it.
Mrs Olabisi Oderinde, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Post-Primary School Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with other organisations and well-meaning individuals on laudable initiative.
She also urged parents, as critical partners in the education sector, to support the government and all efforts geared toward ensuring educational development in the state.
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The event featured presentation of awards to some dignitaries, launching of UTME STEM clinic and inauguration of a modern borehole constructed by AKEF.
The event was attended by Mrs Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Diaspora Matters and Mrs Theresa Afolabi, Chairperson, MAN, Oyo State branch. (NAN)
