By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos State Government has hailed the launch of the INSPIRE Project as a transformative leap for Nigeria’s educational and technological advancement, describing it as a pivotal step towards nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, made the commendation during the official launch of the project in Lagos.
Represented by a director in the ministry, Mr Amodu Olumuyiwa, Alli-Balogun noted that the INSPIRE Project holds immense potential to revolutionise science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in public secondary schools, particularly in underserved communities.
“This initiative, no doubt, is making science like child’s play. Children will learn while playing, making it easier to overcome the challenges often associated with subjects like mathematics, engineering, and science. With the tools provided by the INSPIRE Project, we are certainly inspiring a new generation of scientists from Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” said Alli-Balogun.
The INSPIRE Project is spearheaded by PanAfricare in partnership with the TechWomen Alumni Association Nigeria, with funding from the ExxonMobil Foundation.
The initiative aims to equip students and teachers in underserved public secondary schools with hands-on STEM learning tools and methodologies.
Speaking at the event, the acting US Consul General, JoEllen Gorg emphasised the global relevance of the project and its role in shaping the future workforce.
“I’m super excited to be here in Lagos for the launch of the INSPIRE Project. The very students this project is reaching, through this initiative, will gain skills that will benefit not only Nigeria, but also the world.” Gorg said.