Kwara Hosts STEAM Education Conference to Shape Future Leaders
Ilorin, Kwara State – The Kwara State Government, on Thursday, organized a groundbreaking education conference aimed at advancing STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and skills development to prepare Nigerian youth for 21st-century opportunities.
With the theme “Future-Ready Education: Advancing STEAM and Skills Development for Nigerian Youth,” the event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, educators, and policymakers. The conference was convened by the Special Adviser on Education to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Dr. Adetola Salau.
High-Profile Attendance
Among the dignitaries present were the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq (represented by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore); Deputy Chairman House Committee on Education and Human Capital Development, Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi; State Commissioner for Education, Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu; and Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo.
Others included Chairman of the State Education Trust Fund, Col. Ademola Lawal; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole; and Managing Director of KwaraLEARN, Laide Abel.
Advancing Inclusive Education
Ambassador AbdulRazaq highlighted the state’s strides in promoting inclusive education, particularly for children living with disabilities, and praised initiatives such as the Universal Design for Learning and Teachers’ Training and Development.
“This administration has made significant impacts in inclusive education, particularly for marginalized segments of the society. We remain committed to policies that support inclusivity with adequate funding and active monitoring,” she said.
STEAM for Global Competitiveness
Dr. Salau emphasized the importance of equipping youth with problem-solving skills through STEAM education. She highlighted the role of technology, including robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence, in preparing students for global competitiveness.
“Across the world, youth are solving problems with technology. In Kwara, we must invest in technical education and projects like this to empower our youth to address challenges locally and globally,” Salau said.
Call for Policy Revamp
Mrs. Soyombo advocated for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s education policies to align with global standards. “We need to train and retrain educators, create suitable learning environments, and prioritize education to meet the demands of the 21st-century child,” she said.
Success Stories and Ongoing Initiatives
The conference also spotlighted state-driven initiatives like KwaraLEARN and Team Up Kwara, which focus on enhancing basic education and fostering innovation.
As stakeholders reflected on the milestones achieved, they called for collaboration to ensure continuous progress in transforming education in Kwara and across Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
The conference underscored the commitment of the Kwara State Government to nurturing future-ready leaders equipped to navigate the demands of a dynamic global landscape.
Ogun State Declares Work-Free Day Ahead of Local Government Election
Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Ogun State government has declared Friday, November 15, 2024, a work-free day to facilitate full participation in the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, November 16.
A statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, and made available to the press on Thursday, explained that the decision was made to encourage civil servants and residents to engage fully in the electoral process.
The statement further disclosed that movement of people and vehicles will be restricted across the state during the election to ensure a smooth and orderly voting process.
“The work-free day aims to ensure that civil servants can participate in the election without hindrance, fostering a stronger democratic process,” the statement read.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun expressed that the move reflects his administration’s dedication to promoting civic engagement and strengthening democratic participation in Ogun State. The elections will take place across the state’s 20 local governments and 237 wards.
The declaration of the work-free day is part of the Governor’s broader commitment to prioritizing citizen involvement in the democratic process and ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections.
