By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Government has intensified its push to transform the state from a consumption-based economy into a productive, innovation-driven one through an expanded commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.
At the second edition of the Innovate Eko STEAM Day, held at the Education Resource Centre, Ikeja, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education organised a sensitisation programme to promote creativity, critical thinking, and technology-driven skills among students.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said Lagos is deliberately investing in the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers.
He noted that the state has prioritised the recruitment of science-oriented teachers over the last three years to strengthen foundational knowledge in STEM disciplines.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, highlighted the significant gains recorded in the state’s STEAM agenda, including a 25% increase in STEAM subject enrollment, multiple national awards in the Federal Ministry of Education’s Engineers and Scientists Competition, and improved performance among girls, 70% of whom scored above 70% in STEAM assessments in 2024.
She added that since 2021, Lagos students have developed over 100 innovations, ranging from green-energy prototypes to AI-driven solutions, with about 30% advancing to the patent stage through funding from the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council.
The Permanent Secretary credited the achievements to the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which places education and technology at the centre of sustainable development.
Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education and convener of the programme, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, said the initiative aims to inspire creativity, encourage problem-solving, and showcase students’ groundbreaking research and inventions.
With the theme “Recycle, Rethink and Innovate,” panel sessions focused on recycling, upcycling, and leveraging technology to develop sustainable solutions.
Leave a Reply