STEM Education: Kwara Govt, NerdzFactory Foundation, Access Bank Collaborate to Train Teachers

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the STEM IMMERSION PHYSICAL session, part of the broader STEM Educator Immersion Programme, took place at Wingate Hotel, University Road, Tanke, Ilorin.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Access Bank, NerdzFactory Foundation, and the Kwara State Government, led by Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, the Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development in Kwara State.

The program aims to provide intensive professional development for both current and aspiring educators in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Over the course of several days, teachers underwent a series of hybrid workshops combining physical and online sessions to enhance their skills and equip them with the necessary tools to effectively impart digital literacy and STEM education to students.

The training, which began with online sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, culminated in a hands-on physical session.

The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Lawal Khodijat Yetunde, Programme Lead for STEM and Digital Skills at Webfala Digital Skills For All Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing digital education resources to underserved communities across Nigeria.

Ms. Lawal expertly guided participants through the application of STEM concepts in the classroom, sharing invaluable insights into the integration of these disciplines into daily teaching practices.

Her engaging and practical approach ensured that attendees were able to understand how STEM can transform traditional educational methods.

Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, who was present throughout the session, took the opportunity to interact directly with participants, fielding questions and addressing concerns.

She highlighted the Kwara State Government’s commitment to revolutionizing the state’s educational system under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq. Dr. Salau reinforced the importance of equipping teachers with modern pedagogical tools, especially in STEM fields, as a critical part of the government’s larger efforts to improve educational outcomes in the state.

“STEAMUP Kwara Project continues to build momentum as part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between traditional education and the evolving demands of the 21st century. Through collaborative initiatives like this, Kwara State aims to create an education system that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and the development of future leaders in STEM fields,” Dr. Adetola Salau said.

The event also saw NerdzFactory Foundation, a key partner in the initiative, represented by its Project Lead, Ms. Seiyefa Deinfegba.

NerdzFactory Foundation, renowned for its focus on equipping young Nigerians with technology and digital skills, continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the STEM Educator Immersion Program by providing both expertise and resources.

Participants expressed their gratitude to the Kwara State Government, Access Bank, and NerdzFactory Foundation for their concerted efforts to enhance the professional development of teachers in the region. “This program has truly opened our eyes to the possibilities within STEM education. We now feel more confident and prepared to engage our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to thrive in a technology-driven world,” said one of the participants.