The United States (U.S.) government has signified interest in supporting programmes that promote STEM education and provide students with opportunities to contribute to creating sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity in Nigeria.
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli stated the government’s position on Saturday while delivering his speech at the grand finale of the first drone soccer competition organised by the consulate general.
The competition was done in collaboration with the Global Air Drone Academy and the Lagos State Ministry of Education in Lagos.
Ibelli highlighted the importance of STEM education to Nigeria’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.
He explained that the tournament was designed to provide the students with quality technological learning opportunities and stimulate their interest in math and science, as well as careers in the STEM fields.
”We are so proud to partner with the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the Global Air Drone Academy to not only bring practical, hands-on STEM education to the Lagos school district but also to offer the opportunity for representing schools to show off their STEM skills in drone soccer, the world’s newest sport,” Ibelli said.
A statement by the consulate stated that eight girl-led teams selected from 71 student teams from public high schools across Agege, Alimosho and Ifako Ijaiye communities of Lagos Education District 1 participated in the keenly contested competition.
The Pace Setters Team from Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School emerged as the winner of the tournament.
Alisgrams Team from Alimosho Senior Grammar School and Alpha Team from Abesan Senior High School took second and third place positions respectively. The three best performing teams won a prize of a $1,500 STEM lab each for their respective schools.
