Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau,Kwara State Gov SA on education has officially launched the STEAM UP Kwara initiative, an ambitious programme aimed at revolutionizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education in Kwara State.
Building on the success of the “STEM UP Lagos” initiative, which she spearheaded as Senior Special Adviser on Education to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Salau’s new programme in Kwara State is designed to empower students and youth with essential skills for the future.
The unveiling took place during the educational event titled “The Girl Child and Advancement in STEM,” in partnership with the Association of Professional Women Engineer (APWEN) where Dr. Salau highlighted the significance of advancing STEM education to support the next generation of innovators and leaders.
She expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kwara State for his unwavering support and lauded his administration’s achievements in education and girl-child empowerment.
Dr. Salau also acknowledged the commitment of the First Lady, Her Excellency Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, to the STEAM UP Kwara initiative.
As part of the programme, Dr. Salau announced the establishment of STEM hubs in various schools across Kwara State starting in July and the unveiling of new science laboratories in the state’s three senatorial districts. These facilities aim to enhance STEM education, empower teachers, and foster innovative skills and entrepreneurship among students.
She also noted a partnership with the United Nations to focus on girls’ education.
The Emir of Ilorin, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Engr. Abubakar Tonile Aduragba, commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing equal support to both boys and girls in STEM education.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, pledged her full support for the programme, stating, “my office is ready to support and partner with this programme. We are in this together to educate the students.”
Engr. Dr. Adebisi R. Osim, President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) thereafter reiterated the association’s commitment to providing girls interested in STEM fields with the necessary support, mentorship and resources needed to achieve their dreams.
While pointing out thayvwomen and girls are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, she stated “according to UNESCO, only 30% of STEM students in higher education globally are women. We must change this narrative and empower our girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers.
“according to UNESCO, only 30% of STEM students in higher education globally are women. We must change this narrative and empower our girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers.
“We have also established STEM clubs in schools to provide a supportive community for girls interested in STEM.
APWEN, in partnership with the Kwara State Government and STEAMUP Kwara, is dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in STEM.”
The National body of APWEN furthermore agreed to hold the North Central programme in Kwara to work with the office of the Special Adviser on Education to the Executive Governor of Kwara State.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Taiwo Olashehu FNSE, who was represented by Engr. Ali Bawa MNSE, urged the students to develop their passion for STEM, adding that there are several opportunities available for them.
A highlight of the event was a STEM school competition, where students from various secondary schools showcased their skills by creating a plastic flashlight using bottles, bulbs, and batteries.
Participating schools included University of Ilorin Secondary School, Government Girls Day Pakata, Government Girls Day Oko-Erin, Chapel Secondary School, Government Girls Day Oke-Suna, and Government High School. Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, emerged as the winner, followed by Lower Niger River Basin Staff College, Ilorin, and Government Model Girls’ Secondary School, NNPC, Oke-Oyi.
The programme also featured a panel discussion with experts such as Engr. Dr. Olubunmi Mokuolu, Engr. Prof. Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye, Engr. Bilikisu Adeola Jimoh, and Engr. Dr. Babatunde Jenyo, who discussed the importance of STEM education, particularly for female students.
Dr. Mokuolu emphasized the critical role of educational support and scholarships in advancing STEM fields, while Engr. Odetoye highlighted the need for more girls in engineering to address climate change and develop sustainable solutions. Engr. Jimoh from IBEDC stressed the importance of science and mathematics education, and Engr. Dr. Jenyo encouraged students to embrace the entrepreneurial aspects of STEM, taking risks to create societal value while generating profits.
Distinguished guests at the event included Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. (Dr) Segun Ogunshola; Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. (Dr) Alabi Afeez Abolore; and several other notable figures from academia and industry.
Others were: Engr. Jani Ibrahim, Chairman of Lubcon Group; Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya, Chairman of YOLAS Consultants; Engr. Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu, Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; Engr. Yusuf Aliyu, Chairman of Monarchs Luxury Palace Hotel; Engr. Prof. Omodele Abiodun Abosede Eletta from the University of Ilorin; Engr. Prof. Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye from the University of Ilorin; Engr. Mrs. Folasade Omoniyi, Executive Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Services (KWIRS); Engr. Joseph Sunday Adebayo, Vice President of NSE; Engr. Prof. Nazmat Toyin Surajudeen-Bakinde; Engr. Fausat Biola Dare-Bello; Engr. Esther Gonda; Engr. Mrs. Omotayo Olanipekun; Engr. Yetunde Olaniyan; Engr. Prof. Rasheedat Modupe Mahmood; Engr. Dr. Rose Daffi; Engr. Mrs. Amamat Oluwatoyin Haruna; and Engr. Issa Taiwo Olasheu, represented by Engr. Aliyu Bawan-Allah Garba.
The STEAM UP Kwara initiative promises to be a transformative force in the state’s education sector, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
