…Receives innovative toolkits for schools

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA- Abia State Government has launched a special project aimed at  stimulating the interest of students  in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in secondary schools across the state.

The project known as Innovation, STEM,  and Partnerships for Inclusive and Relevant Education (INSPIRE), was launched at the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the implementing partners – PanAfricare, ExxonMobil and  TECHWomen Alumni Association Nigeria.

During the launch attended by stakeholders in the education sector, the implementing partners jointly handed over INSPIRE box comprising  educational innovative tools designed to address the resource gaps in science and technology education in secondary schools, “providing students and teachers with the materials they need to learn, teach, and explore STEM in dynamic and hands-on ways.”

In his address, the Country Director of PanAfricare, Professor Patrick Adah, identified  key objectives of the project to include:bridging the resource gap in select underserved schools that lack basic teaching equipment and tools for STEM-based subjects; and strengthening teachers’ capacity, focusing on enhancing their ability to deliver engaging and effective STEM lessons.

Others include increasing access to innovative teaching tools to enrich the students’ learning experience and encourage experimentation; and expanding students’ exposure to diverse STEM topics, going beyond the standard curriculum to ignite their curiosity and inspire interest in STEM fields making them active participants in the current global knowledge economy.

He said the comprehensive implementation of the objectives would significantly contribute to the long term development of “critical thinking and problem-solving skills among the students”.

“Our primary goal in this project is to revolutionise the teaching and learning of STEM-based subjects in Nigeria by enhancing the innovative skills of students in the 14 select underserved secondary schools across Nigeria, empowering them to effectively address challenges and develop practical solutions within their communities”

Professor Adah added that the project would also prepare students “to begin their journey of pursuing knowledge that gives them global competence and making them ready for the job market of today.”

Going memory lane, Prof. Adah said: “INSPIRE Project builds upon the remarkable successes and achievements recorded in a similar project (Future Skill Project) implemented last year by PanAfricare with funding from Exxon; and the STEM-in-A-Box project, previously implemented by TechWomen.”

He recalled that through the implementation of the Future Skill project in 14 schools in Abuja, “we witnessed the transformative power of equipping young individuals with modern learning tools and mentorship.”

Professor Adah noted that earlier in the year, one of the schools that participated in the project – Government Secondary School, Garki, won the prestigious INSPIRE Award, earning them a place at the World Robotics Championship in Houston, Texas.

He also said another school in the project, Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, received the Innovation Project Award, that qualified them for the Open Africa  Championship in South Africa

He commended other implementing partners and the Abia State Government for keying into the project.

Speaking also, National President of TechWomen Alumni Association  Nigeria , Stella Uzochukwu, said the benefiting schools were chosen based on clearly defined criteria, including the presence of qualified teachers in STEM subjects and the existence of science or ICT laboratories that could effectively integrate the STEM tools provided by the project.

She added that teacher training workshops— “an integral component and strategic pillar of the INSPIRE Project”, would immediately be organised for the benefiting schools.

 “These workshops are designed not only to equip educators with modern pedagogical skills and hands-on experience with STEM tools, but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s impact by fostering a new generation of STEM educators and learners.”

In a remark, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Goodluck Ubochi, commended the implementing partners for including Abia as one of the pilot states for the project, and for their commitment in promoting STEM education.

He said that the INSPIRE project alligned with the state’s “vision to equip students with the knowledge, tools and confidence to thrive in an increasingly technical world”.

The Commissioner who assured of the full support of the state government to STEM education, explained that “STEM is not just an academic discipline but a gateway to innovation, economic empowerment and global competitiveness.”

” By supporting our young learners today, we are shaping the inventors, engineers, scientists and leaders of tomorrow”, he declared.

He particularly lauded the partners for donating INSPIRE boxes containing laboratory equipment and innovative tools to select schools in the state – Ibeku High School, and Afougiri Girls Secondary School all in Umuahia.

The Commissioner said the items would ignite curiosity, foster creativity and provide hands-on experiences essential for effective STEM learning.

Unveiling the box,  an alumna of TECHWomen, and a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Adanna Henri-Ukoha, identified the contents of the box as sets of laboratory equipment, laptops,  phones, merge cube and google cardboard headset, microcontroller, coding software, boardgames, among others.

She said: “This includes 48 essential science apparatus for junior secondary school, 30 educational charts, and supporting booklets and models to introduce young learners to foundational science concepts in an engaging and visual way.

“With 230 core science tools and 20 advanced science models for senior secondary school, this set allows older students to deepen their understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics through real-world experimentation and demonstrations.

“Merge cube and Google cardboard headset use augmented and virtual reality to bring abstract science concepts to life, allowing students to interact with 3D models and simulations that enhance comprehension and retention.With 3D printer and filament, students will now be able to design and print prototypes, giving them hands-on experience in engineering, creativity, and problem-solving—key skills for the future of work.

“Microcontroller device introduces students to physical computing and robotics, enabling them to build and program simple machines—an excellent entry point into electronics and coding.

With laptop and mobile phone, each school receives a dedicated laptop and phone to facilitate digital learning, coding sessions, and access to online resources, supporting both students and educators.

“Together, these tools represent more than just equipment—they are the building blocks of curiosity, confidence, and competence in STEM”, she said, adding that “for teachers, they provide the resources to implement modern, hands-on teaching methods, and for students, they open doors to innovation and discovery.”

She explained that “INSPIRE project arose as a result of the observation of the problem arising from the fact that female students are not interested in STEM due to the wrong feeling that it is a male dominated field.”

 “The essence of this project is to stimulate the interest of  female students  in STEM. So, we decided to bring in the state of the art equipment in physics, chemistry and biology that will help female students develop interest in core science subjects. We are also donating tools that will enhance learning in the areas of robotics and virtual realities. The idea is to ensure that the gender gap in STEM field is closed”.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting schools, the Principal of Ibeku High School (Senior Secondary),  Elder Ekele Udemba Obioma, expressed gratitude for the gesture, and promised to safeguard them against vandals.

“I’m delighted about the donation. I’m happy our school was among those selected for the project. I have already signed a memorandum of understanding to safeguard the equipment against vandals.

“We already have a safe science lab and ICT lab which they saw and were convinced we have the capacity to safeguard the equipment. Our assurance is that these equipment will not only be secured but be put into good use.”