By Dalhatu Liman
The Chief Executive Officer of STEM Child Care Academy and Founder of STEM-EduReach, Mamu Alhaji Muhammad, has called on the Federal Government to increase investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to equip Nigerian children with practical skills needed for national development.
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Muhammad made the call on Saturday during the STEM Expo 2.0 organised by the academy in Abuja, where students showcased innovative projects under the theme, “Techpreneurship: Empowering Future Innovators.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he said the private sector is currently leading the growth of STEM education in Nigeria, but stressed that stronger government support is needed to sustain the progress.
“STEM education is largely driven by the private sector. Private schools are championing many of these initiatives, and significant progress has been made. Today’s expo is one example of the talents we have in Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the government to provide a stronger policy framework and increase budgetary allocations for STEM education.
“The government needs to do more by engaging relevant stakeholders, providing adequate funding, and putting the right policies in place. Without a clear policy framework, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful progress,” he added.
Muhammad said strengthening STEM education is essential to producing the skilled workforce needed to drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Referring to recent comments by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, on industrialising the continent, he said Nigeria must prioritise STEM education to develop the human capital required to achieve that goal.
“We must embrace STEM education to produce young people with the right mindset and practical skills that will help industrialise Africa. Without STEM, it will be difficult to prepare our children for the future,” he said.
He also called for a shift from an examination-focused education system to one that promotes creativity, innovation and practical problem-solving.
“Education should go beyond passing examinations. We need a system that encourages innovation, creativity and invention through hands-on learning and technology,” he said.
The one-day expo featured a keynote lecture by Prof. M.I. Ahmed, student-led panel discussions, exhibitions of innovative projects, and the recognition of graduating students.
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