By Emmanuel Elebeke, Abuja

In keeping to its vision of nurturing young Nigerian girls in the field of science and technology, Oddysey Foundation in partnership with United States has empowered about 50 students on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The students drawn from various schools in the Federal Capital Territory, were taken through a 5 days innovative program in 3D printing, Augmented Reality, lazer machine and other digital innovation training Young Nigerian students by the Foundation.

The students took turns to present their different innovations, ranging from Ultrasonic Reader for detecting signals in cases of war and ethquake; LED distant Indicator used to.measure accurate position if objectives; Lab apparatus for teaching in class rooms; a Clap Switch; Dream Assisted Technique and 3D printing designs.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Inuwa Abdullahi charged Nigerian girls to step up their desire of choosing carrier in Science, Technology and Mathematics, STEM.

He commended them for their innovative prowess and creativity in invention of solutions to societal problems.

“You are innovators, builders, and problem solvers, equipped with the skills to tackle the challenges that matter most to you.

“Today, we dive into the exciting world of digital tools, learning how to code, design, and create solutions that make a positive impact.

“So, let’s code with purpose, design with empathy, and create with compassion. Let’s use our digital superpowers to make a difference in the world, one line of code, one pixel, one story at a time.”

While pledging for continued support of NITDA to Nigerian youths, the DG said, “Remember, this journey isn’t a solo adventure. You are surrounded by a supportive community of mentors, peers, and role models who believe in you and encourage you to dream big. Don’t be afraid to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other. Together, you can achieve anything you set your minds to”.

In her goodwill message, the Minister of Education, represented by Mrs. Nnadede Catherine charged the learners to go all out to learn science and ensure commercialization of what they invented.
Also in her goodwill message, the Minister of Women Affairs, represented by Ms Angela Nkwocha said the training of the students was in line with Unsustainable Development Goals of bringing education to all Nigerian children.
In her address, the Founder of Odyssey Foundation, Stella Uzochukwu said the 5-days intensive training on STEM education sought to make students become leaders and stem adult.

Uzochukwu explained that the program which was made possible through the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of State via the Alumni Ties program and facilitated by World Learning, has been a beacon of innovation and empowerment for the talented young participants who joined them for an enriching five days at the FCTA Science and Technology camp.

She affirmed that the training was part of effort at improving technological advancement for the girl-child, adding that the program had been an incorporation of Virtual Reality and AR, a tool not only for technical exploration but a gateway to the inspiring stories of women leaders in STEM.

“Through this innovative approach, the participants had the privilege of interacting with accomplished women in the field, drawing inspiration from their journeys, and understanding the vast possibilities that lie ahead,” she said.

She however charged the students not to loose focus in achieving their dreams as the skills acquired over the past five days are not just tools; but instruments of empowerment.

“Your creativity, coupled with these newfound capabilities, has the potential to reshape the landscape of technology and make a positive impact on society.”

While appreciating the support of major stakeholders who contributed immensely to the success of the program, Uzochukwu noted that seeds of innovation has been sown and it is the responsibility of all to nurture and cultivate the budding talents that will drive progress in the years to come.

One of the beneficiaries, Abu Francis, and a student of Government Science Secondary School, Pyakassa Maitama expressed delight at the knowledge acquired which she said has positioned her to achieving a goal-driven career path.
Narrating her experience at the training, Francis said: “In those 5 days we were shared into groups, we learnt 3D printing, augmented reality and virtual reality, hardware and lasser machine, and a host of others, I was selected to do lasser machine. I learnt X2, CNC, how to engrave and carve on any material.

“I see a future in engineering, future of building, a future of helping the world through engineering in many ways I can a future of being a STEM leader,” she added.

Highlight of the event was presentation of working equipment to the three participating schools, which includes 3D Printing machine and other working tools among others.