NSE champions STEM education, launches scholarship for Rivers students

By Zika Bobby

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Trans Amadi Branch, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and national development by launching a series of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives targeting public secondary schools across Rivers State.

The event, held  in Port Harcourt, brought together students, engineering leaders, and key stakeholders from the Rivers State education sector.

Led by Branch Chairman Dr. Jonathan Francis, the programme featured a quiz competition, technical excursions to digital innovation centers, career talks, and the formal inauguration of V-STEM Clubs in participating schools.

Commending the branch’s initiative, the President and Chairman of Council of the NSE, Engr. Alimasuya Rabiu—represented by immediate past NSE President Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala—thanked Trans Amadi branch for consistently driving nation-building efforts.

“The significance of this program lies in catching them young and teaching them the importance of innovation and turning ideas into solutions for national development,” Oguntala noted.

Delivering the keynote address themed: ‘Dream, Dare, Discover: Your Journey into the World of STEM,’ the special guest Olatunji Akinwumi, Executive Director of Corporate Services at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, urged students to stay curious and resilient.

“Read widely, ask questions in class, participate in science clubs, and explore coding, robotics, and scientific experiments. Learning should not stop when the school bell rings. Failure is not the end or a sign that you lack intelligence—every successful leader and engineer has experienced setbacks, “ Akinwumi said.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Victor Bandele NSE Trans Amadi Branch Post-Primary School STEM Scholarship Award, announced by the Deputy Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Victor Bandele.

“This scholarship was born out of a clear vision: to identify, nurture, and empower the brightest young minds within the public secondary schools of Rivers State,” Bandele said while celebrating the three student finalists who emerged from a rigorous testing process.

The scholarship scheme promises an annual award of N100,000 to each recipient throughout their senior secondary education (SS1 to SS3), alongside full coverage of their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees in SS3.

The event, which also hosted Obi Imemba, executive director, JV Assets at TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria Limited, doubled as the official commissioning of the new Office Secretariat for the NSE Trans Amadi branch.