Education

Educationist call for integration of STEAM into primary, secondary school

Published

6 months ago

December 19, 2024

Mariam Sanni

A team of academics overseeing implementation of the Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, STEAM, initiative has called for the integration of the scheme into pre-primary, primary and secondary schools to enhance growth in technological advancement.

Speaking at the presentation of the STEAM project report in Abuja, the Chairman of the Implementation Team, Prof Emeritas Nwaorgu, said addressing hindrances to the STEAM project was critical for Nigeria’s competitiveness in science and technology-driven world.

Nwaorgu expressed confidence that STEAM would promote interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, problem-solving and hands on activities, adding that integration of STEAM in schools across the country would also improve the performance of candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

She however lamented that despite the benefits of STEAM education, in Nigeria the project lacks the necessary priorities and support for its full implementation.

She stressed Nigeria’s need for the STEAM initiative to imbue students with the ability for critical thinking, at a very young age.

“When you introduce design into learning, programme it makes it better and you can start teaching children at a younger age, moulding them to have critical minds at a younger age,” she said.

Nwaorgu disclosed that the project, which was piloted in the 6 states of Adamawa, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto; had 222 teachers selected by the Ministry of Education for interaction with the implementation team.

She added that already the scheme, which started in 2023, is being implemented by some private schools while public schools were yet to adopt the initiative.

She disclosed that the Nigerian Academy of Science, The Nigerian Academy of Letters and the Nigerian Young Academy are working with the implementation team for the objective of implementing locally appropriate STEAM education policies into the curriculum of schools, strengthening the capacity of teachers and creating awareness in the schools.

Nwaorgu said one of the achievements recorded so far by the project was its inclusion in the 2024 education roadmap of the federal government, and a draft policy document for STEAM in Nigeria.

She recommended the replication of the STEAM educational activities in the 30 remaining states of the federation, noting that the team expects improvement in UTME performance in the 6 pilot states of the STEAM project.

Earlier, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who was represented by JAMB’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mufutau Bello, stated that the project should be the beginning of collaboration with various academies in Nigeria.

Oloyede expressed hope that soon, the team would leverage the many opportunities available in research to impact the education sector positively.

Also speaking, the representative of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof Salihu Mustapha, said there was increased awareness amongst schools on the STEAM education because of the activities of the team.

Mustapha assured that the academy will see to the full implementation of the project, while expressing hope that given its importance, the project should be implemented in all states of the federation.

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Education

NELFUND assures students of smart system to improve loan access

Published

1 month ago

May 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Mariam Abeeb

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has assured students it was working assiduously towards building a technology driven system that would improve easy access to its loans.

This was as the FUND disclosed that no fewer than 320,000 students have thus far been paid with many more currently undergoing verification process to enable their payments.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr gave the assurances in Abuja, while addressing Polytechnics , Monotechnics and Institutes at a Stakeholders Engagement Session/ Technical Workshop on NELFUND System Automation and Loan Application Processes.

Sawyerr noted that the FUND was targeting a platform where students could access loan with confidence and without stress in a manner that was transparent and accountable.

He said: “At NELFUND our mission goes beyond giving loans. It’s about opening doors, it’s about making sure every young Nigerian who is willing to learn and grow has a real shot regardless of their background, location, or chosen path of study.

“For too long, many students, especially in technical institutions, have faced steep financial barriers; some drop out, others have never even applied. This is the gap we at NELFUND are here to close. But we know we can’t do it alone.

“This is a shared mission. It belongs to all of us, government institutions and the private sector alike. This technical workshop marks a major step forward.

“We’re not only providing financing, we’re building a technology-driven system that makes it easier for students to apply, for institutions to verify, and for funds to be disbursed with speed, fairness, and accountability.

“We’re aiming for access without stress, a platform students can use with confidence; transparency and trust so that no one is left wondering where their application stands; partnership with purpose because your feedback, your data, and your cooperation are critical to making this work. We rely on you as our institutional partners to help us bring this vision to life.”

Sawyerr who commended the institutions for providing technical expertise, practical hands-on training that fuels industries and empowers communities over the years, said besides teaching skills, they have built careers, created employers and strengthened economies.

“You know your students, you understand their struggles, your insights will help us tailor this system to reflect the realities on ground, not just assumptions on paper.

“To NBTE, we value your steady leadership in shaping and regulating technical education. Your collaboration is key as we move forward fully.”

The NELFUND boss urged the institutions to partner with the FUND to deliver a system that was not just functional or sustainable, but one that was transformative

“As we move forward fully, integrating NELFUND processes with institutional systems and standards, let us remember at the heart of all of this is a student, a young Nigerian with dreams, with ambition, and the courage to pursue them. Everything we do must serve that student.

“The only way to make it happen is by working together, listening to one another, and staying grounded in real-world challenges. I encourage you all to engage fully today share what’s working and what is not, and together let’s build something that lasts.”

NELFUND ‘s Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Iyal Mustapha, disclosed that apart from the 320,000 students who have so far been paid, more verifications are currently ongoing.

Mustapha, who explained that the failure of not having the number of registered students tally with the number of students whose application process was deemed successful was from the part of students and not NELFUND, said there was an urgent need to bridge the gap.

He also disclosed that the FUND was considering connecting directly to institution’s portal to get the data they need, and how student could apply to their institutions portal without necessarily reaching out to NELFUND.

“One other thing that we’re trying to do going forward is to send some of our IT to all the institutions so that we can see how possible it is we connect directly to your portal instead of saying please send us data. How can we connect using an API which makes it easier to get the data of any student coming to us directly from your portal and not from our portal. So we don’t need to be collecting any data again.

“At the same time, we’re thinking of seeing how is it possible that a student can apply to your portal without coming to us. So it makes it so easy for the student when they’re doing registration, when they’re doing payments, they can select either to apply for NELFUND loans and the process will go through your portal. So you have all the data without ever reaching to NELFUND. All we need is for you to give assurance these are your students and if we have that, we pay you directly. It makes it simpler and faster for all the students.”

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