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By Chinenye Anuforo
No fewer than 12,400 primary school pupils in Akwa Ibom State have recorded improved performance in mathematics and science, with post-training assessments showing scores of 80 per cent and above following a STEM education intervention funded by the TY Danjuma Foundation.
The intervention, implemented by the Teacher Aid Initiative (TAI) in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board (AKSUBEB), is aimed at improving the quality of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education in public primary schools.
The programme, which covered 22 schools across Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, also culminated in the graduation of 83 teachers who completed the STEM Teachers Fellowship Programme.
According to the organisers, baseline assessments conducted before the intervention showed that pupils had weak foundations in mathematics and science. However, subsequent assessments reportedly indicated significant improvements, with pupils consistently recording scores of 80 per cent and above in the two subjects.
The improvement followed a shift from conventional classroom teaching methods, largely characterised by memorisation, to practical and interactive learning approaches that encourage pupils to understand scientific and mathematical concepts through experimentation and project-based activities.
At the commencement of the fellowship, 120 classroom teachers participated in an intensive training programme alongside head teachers and education officers. They were equipped with skills to creatively interpret the mathematics and science curriculum using inexpensive, locally sourced materials to make lessons more engaging and accessible to young learners.
The programme also provided continuous monitoring and classroom support to participating teachers, helping them build confidence in lesson delivery and integrate STEAM concepts across different subjects.
Beyond improved academic performance, the intervention has reportedly stimulated pupils’ interest in science and technology-related careers.
One of the outcomes is the introduction of weekly Scratch Junior coding lessons at St Williams School, following growing interest in technology among pupils.
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The programme also organised STEM competitions, providing opportunities for pupils to collaborate, develop projects and demonstrate their understanding of scientific and technological concepts.
To sustain the gains recorded, STEAM clubs have continued to operate in participating schools, with designated mentors supporting teachers and pupils in maintaining practical learning activities.
Speaking on the intervention, the Executive Chairman of AKSUBEB, Rt Hon. Anietie Etuk, said providing children with a solid educational foundation remained a fundamental responsibility.
He commended the TY Danjuma Foundation for its commitment to societal development and for selecting Akwa Ibom State as a beneficiary of the initiative.
A representative of the TY Danjuma Foundation, Tersoo Akula, also expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, noting that the programme had demonstrated how empowering teachers could transform classrooms into spaces of creativity and innovation.
Akula said the foundation was excited about the collaboration and its contribution to improving teaching and learning experiences.
The Teacher Aid Initiative said it was exploring partnerships with other organisations in the education sector and seeking additional support to expand the fellowship to more local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
The proposed expansion is expected to extend access to practical STEM education to more teachers and pupils, particularly at the foundational level.
The Teacher Aid Initiative is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering educators and transforming classroom environments through innovative professional development programmes.
