…awards scholarships to 3 students

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, has called on secondary school students in Rivers State to take full advantage of its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM, program, describing it as a pathway to becoming entrepreneurs and nation builders.

NSE President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, made the call through Immediate Past President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, at the TotalEnergies–Trans Amadi Branch STEM Awareness Program held in Port Harcourt.

He said the program was designed to “catch them young” and help students develop an early interest in innovation and problem-solving. 

“Students have a great opportunity now. Not everyone gets this kind of platform. I urge you to take advantage of it. Put in the work, stay focused, and leverage this opportunity to grow, develop your ideas, and become entrepreneurs and great builders of Nigeria,” he said.

“The significance of this program is in catching them young — letting them know early how important it is to innovate, to dream, and to turn ideas into solutions for national development. The earlier we introduce them, the better. We’re starting with secondary schools, but in time we hope to reach primary school pupils as well.”

Guest speaker at the event Engr. Obi Imemba, Executive Director, Joint Venture Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria. While addressing the student explained that to be successful they need to be disciplined. He urged them not to be afraid of failing or making mistakes.”it is okay to fail. But when you fail, don’t stay there. Fail forward, try again “

Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director, Corporate Services, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Engr. Olatunji Akinwunmi, urged students from the 13 participating public schools to dream big and remain curious.

“Never allow anyone to place limits on your dreams. Be curious, never stop learning, and take action by joining a STEM club in your school. I hope that at the next gathering like this, we will be here to celebrate your success,” he said.

Also speaking, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Engr. Victor Bandele, explained the rationale behind the newly inaugurated Victor Bandele NSE Trans Amadi Branch Post-Primary School STEM Scholarship Award.

“This scholarship was born out of a clear vision to identify, nurture, and empower the brightest young minds in public secondary schools in Rivers State. We believe financial constraints should never be a barrier to intellectual greatness,” he said.

“This is a long-term commitment to your academic journey. Each recipient will receive an annual award of ₦100,000 throughout SS1 to SS3. In SS3, the scheme will also fully cover your WAEC examination and Jamb fees.”

Event host and Chairman of NSE Trans Amadi Branch, Engr. Jonathan Francis, said this was the second edition of the STEM awareness program.He noted the program was created in response to declining interest in technical education among youths.

 “Today many young people are more interested in owning a phone and a ring light to become content creators, but with little value addition. If we leave things this way, we will soon lack professionals in this country.”

“We started this STEM awareness last year and saw real impact in driving awareness and creating opportunities in our rural schools. Given that success, we are doing it again this year, and we intend to continue annually,” he said.

The event had students and teachers from 13 public secondary schools across Rivers State in attendance.