The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with Siemens Energy has organized a special training tagged Experimento-STEM for 15 facilitators and 30 basic schoolteachers in Bayelsa State. The intent is to ensure innovative teaching of Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for the younger generation.
Experimento-STEM is an international education programme offered by Siemens Stiftung and Empowering Africans Through Education Initiative (EATEI) towards a modern approach to STEM education that provides educators with practical training and continuing education opportunities as well as high quality teaching and learning experience.
The teachers were nominated by the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) from 10 primary schools in the state. The training took place at the Nigerian Content Conference Hall, NC Towers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Delivering his speech at the kick-off ceremony held recently, the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru hinted that the Board seeks to develop local capacities and capabilities in-country, to spur technology, science and support activities in the oil and gas industry.
He explained that STEM education is critical to the attainment of the core mandate of the Board as regards to local manufacturing and development of Nigerian materials, products, technologies and solutions required for the growth of Nigerian Content in the Oil and Gas Industry and its sectorial linkages.
“The global science and technology space has witnessed unprecedented competition and disruptive innovations. Accordingly, the need to promote and ensure the sustainable growth of STEM education in the oil and gas industry and other linkage sectors is critical”.
“The sustainable growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors largely depend on the sustainable development of local capacities / capabilities, technology, and solutions which is consistent with the 10-year strategic Road Map of targeted at growing Nigerian Content from 27 percent in 2017 to 70 percent by 2027; retain over $14billion out of $20billion industry spend in-country; and create 300,000 direct and indirect jobs”.
Speaking further, Ikuru reiterated that the programme is aimed at driving research and development; promote development of local technology, innovation and solutions; Promote local manufacturing and competitiveness of the economy; stimulate industrialization of the economy; stimulate sustainable growth and diversification of the economy; and critical to creating a buffer in controlling the impact of destructive technology and smart innovations on the local economy.
He commended Siemens Stiftung, Siemens Nigeria and Empowering Africans Through Education Initiative (EATEI) for the collaboration and commitment towards driving STEM education.
In his remark, the Head, Business Development, Siemens Energy, Mr. Oladayo Orolu explained that the training is part of Siemens’s strategy towards building human capacity development in Nigeria.
“Improving education and vocational training structures are crucial for creating individual prospects and economic growth with sustainable productivity”, adding that Siemens is committed to stimulate the minds of young Nigerian kids towards innovation skills in STEM training.
“We want to expose Nigerian kids to develop a keen interest in STEM education not just to learn employable skills but to enable them develop, innovate and create their own designs which can compete with some of the best in the global world”.
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