From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, has restated the commitment of the Commission to any step that would promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design and Mathematics (STEAM), Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as entrepreneurial skills at senior secondary education level in Nigeria.
Dr. Ajayi, renewed the commitment in a speech he delivered at the maiden edition of the Annual National Science, Technology and Innovation project exhibition for senior secondary school students in Abuja, on Tuesday.
Seven Science and Technical Colleges in FCT participated in the maiden exhibition, with each displaying several innovations that they made, that provided solutions to different environmental, health and other challenges in the society.
Dr. Ajayi, in his remarks, said: “This maiden exhibition creates a platform for students to showcase their talent and creativity, and also provide them the opportunity to meet with relevant organizations/agencies who were invited to look at what are doing and then add value to it. It is in line with this mandate that we saw the need to organize this programme.”
He confirmed that NSSEC has initiated some projects aimed at repositioning the sub-sector. “We have initiated a move to repeal NSEC Act 2004 and re-enactment of the NSSEC Act 2023; development of a National Policy on Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria; development of a National Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria.
Others are the renovation of Science Laboratories in six Federal Unity Colleges (One in each geo-political zone); development of NSSEC Strategic Plan 2023-2027; development of guidelines for accessing, disbursing and utilizing the NSSEC intervention funds; capacity building of selected English Language and Mathematics teachers from the North Central and North West geo political zones of the Country; among several others.
Head of Senior Secondary Department, NSSEC, Salifu Mohammed, in his remarks, explained that the exhibition was designed to allow students expressed and showcase their talents through innovations.
“We have participated in different exhibitions but what is unique about this one is that different agencies and stakeholders that have something to do with the innovations were invited to participate in this exhibition.
“We have appealed to them to see what these students have done, and decide on areas they can help to improve on they have done for the purposes of commericalization
“We don’t want these children to be discouraged, hence the involvement of stakeholders from public and private sectors for support and encouragement.”
He confirmed that a reward system has been established to encourage and appreciate the schools and individuals that participated in the exhibition. “There will be gold medal for the top selection; silver medal for the runner-up, and the remaining schools would be awarded bronze medal.”