The Lagos State Government (LASG) has unveiled the ‘Innovate Eko STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Programme’. It is aimed at inspiring interest in STEAM careers.
The government unveiled the project while commemorating the National Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) day, celebrated every November 8.
Speaking during the programme, held at STEM Lab, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Tunbosun Alake, described STEAM as the pillar for economic value creation.
He encouraged students to show interest in innovation, science and technology, ‘’as such enables one to build applications to solve problems.’’
“You are never too young to start learning science and technology, because these will eventually enable you to contribute value to society, “ Alake said.
‘’The passion for science will never go unrewarded. With a focus on science, technology and innovation, the sky is not even the limit, you are going above the sky, going to space,’’ he added.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the programme was about the students’ progress, performance and science oriented subjects.
He said STEAM was about the present and future, and the realisation that people could not do away with science.
“We need more teachers to teach sciences in our schools. We have mandated the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to recruit more teachers, so that we can have additional science teachers in our public schools.
“The Innovate Eko STEAM Programme is a programme established to train students, to empower them to be self-employed, to empower them to be prepared for the future, to empower them to face the present and the future challenges.
“This Innovate Eko STEAM project plans to train students, not just in robotics, but also in artificial intelligence, graphics, design, ads, phone repair, solar panel, solar energy, both the management, installation, repair and care.
“So the main essence of the Innovate Eko STEAM project is to ensure we move from just being a consumption country to a more productive country, and we are starting with Lagos State,’’ he said.
