THE Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to promoting the teaching and learning of science and technology education in Nigeria.
He stated this at a 4-day workshop on the development of Modules from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) Manual for teachers in basic education held in Nasarawa State.
Bobboyi who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Technical, Professor Bala Zakari, emphasised the need to inculcate technical skills, nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in learners.
He noted that in the past emphasis used to be laid on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), saying however that in life, arts and humanity are equally important, hence the need to integrate arts in teaching of science in basic education.
He explained that the workshop was organised for the team of experts to develop modules that would infuse arts in the teaching of science and technology in schools in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary said: “This gathering represents a significant step forward in our mission to enhance the quality of Basic Education and also to guide teachers on ways and procedures to use to apply the STEAM manual during teaching and learning in schools across the nation.
“The integration of STEAM into our curriculum is not just to foster technical skills; it will also revolutionise our educational system, nurture creativity, critical thinking and inculcate problem-solving skills in learners.
“This holistic approach will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century and equip them to thrive in our rapidly evolving world,” he stated.
Bobboyi said the rigorous process the government had gone through on the introduction of STEAM into Basic Education, in diverse ways would assist learners to be well grounded in STEAM education; help in nation building and also make our learners to be more resourceful from early age to adulthood as well as promote entrepreneurship and improve development in the society at large.
“Through these initiatives, we will create modules from the developed STEAM manual that will be a working tool for our teachers in the classroom. The commission will encourage interdisciplinary approaches, project-based learning and community engagements,” he said.
He urged the participants to collaborate, share insights and develop a comprehensive, engaging and inclusive module that would inspire both educators and learners.
Director, Academic Services, UBEC, Mrs Roseline Medubi, said the introduction of STEAM education into public schools would help to fast track the achievement of the target of the pillars of the Ministerial Strategic Plan (Sustainable Development Goals) which would also prepare learners for life-long learning as enshrined in the objectives of the Universal Basic Education programme.
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Professor Mabel Evwierhoma of Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, said the integration of arts into teaching of science and technology was critical in ensuring that students studying science also appreciate the arts components – the cultural aspects, indigenous knowledge systems among others.
She added that this would make the arts students or pupils also to embrace basic science and other aspects of technology in order to drive innovation, hands-on learning and practicals.
