With Nigeria facing a critical shortfall in science and technology education-reflected in national pass rates below 50% in core STEM subjects, the INSPIRE Project, with funding from ExxonMobil Foundation, seeks to bridge the resource gap and invigorate science teaching and learning.
This was disclosed by the Project Manager, Terfa Akpoyibo, during the launch of the project in Kaduna.
He said the project which is targeting girls in two junior and senior secondary schools in Kaduna state comprising Queen Amina Collage and Dalet Senior Secondary school hopes to catch the girls young so they pick interest in STEM careers.
According to him, ‘The Inspire Project, a Partnership project by Exxon Mobile Foundation, Tech Women Alumni Foundation and PanAfricare aims to close critical resource and performance gaps in science and technology education, by empowering teachers and students with innovative tools, laboratory equipment, hands-on learning, and inclusive programming across Abia, Bauchi, Lagoa, Rivers, Kaduna states, and the Federal Capital Territory representing the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.
‘Through the donation and deployment of the INSPIRE Box, a comprehensive STEM toolkit featuring advanced tools such as 3D printers, robotics kits, laptops, junior science kits and senior science kits and augmented reality learning devices, 14 underserved government schools. across the six states will be empowered to deliver future-ready education to over 700 students, with 65% targeted female participation and a minimum 3% of people living with disabilities.’
He expressed optimism that the project will empower schools to enable them teach, enable students learn and participate in STEM activities and allow the students have access to innovative tools that can help them learn and explore and pick up STEM careers in the future.
The governor of Kaduna state, Malam Uba Sani who was represented by the Commissioners for Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai expressed the state’s commitment to harnessing innovation and technology as catalysts for sustainable development.
He said the INSPIRE Project-Innovation, STEM, and Partnerships for Inclusive and Relevant Education-aligns perfectly with the state’s Education Sector Renewal Initiative (2024-2027) and broader vision to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
He appreciated ExxonMobil Foundation, PanAfricare, and TechWomen for selecting Kaduna as a beneficiary of this laudable project and assured that the investment in Dalet Government Girls Secondary School and Queen Amina College reflects a shared belief in the potential of the students, particularly the girls, and the transformative power of education.
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