With over 17 million children aged five to 14 years deprived of adequate schooling in Nigeria, constituting over 20 per cent of the world's out-of-school children, innovative approaches to education, such as STEM METS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Science), offer a promising pathway to transform learning outcomes and secure Nigeria's future. Precious Ugwuzor writes that by prioritising these disciplines, Nigeria can address the root causes of its education crisis, equip its youth with critical skills for the modern world, and foster sustainable development in a rapidly evolving global economy
Nigeria's education crisis is staggering with over 17 million children aged 5-14 deprived of adequate schooling, constituting over 20 per cent of the world's out-of-school children. According to reports, 26 per cent Nigerian children of primary school age are out of school. At the junior secondary school level, the percentage of drops to 25 per cent, and at the senior secondary level it increases to 34 per cent of children. UNICEF also reports that only a quarter of Nigerian children aged 7 - 14 have basic literacy and numeracy skills.
The challenges in Nigeria's education sector are multifaceted. Infrastructure deficits are glaring, with many schools lacking basic amenities like classrooms, running water, and electricity. Teachers are often underqualified, and rural areas face an acute shortage of teaching staff. In rural areas, dropout rates remain high due to poverty, early marriage, and insecurity.
Gender inequality is another pressing issue. While progress has been made, many girls, especially in Northern Nigeria, still struggle to access education due to cultural and financial barriers. More than 50% of girls are estimated to not attend school at the basic education level, with 48 per cent of out-of-school girls located in the Northwest and Northeast. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and further limits economic opportunities.
Beyond access, there is also a crisis of quality. A significant percentage of students cannot achieve basic proficiency in reading, writing, or mathematics. Furthermore, the quality of teaching and learning in school is not keeping up with current and future demands, creating a mismatch between what is taught and the requirements of our current innovation-driven society. These deficiencies not only harm individual prospects but also weaken Nigeria's ability to compete globally in technology-driven sectors.
These issues are particularly alarming in the 21st century when education is critical for economic growth and innovation.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge gaps in the system. By focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, STEM equips students with the knowledge and problem-solving skills they need to navigate the modern world.
Countries that have invested heavily in STEM education, such as South Korea and Singapore, have demonstrated how science and technology can transform economies. Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from following similar models. With a rapidly growing youth population, STEM education can help harness this demographic dividend, turning potential into progress.
STEM METS: The Catalyst for Nigeria's STEM Revolution
STEM METS Resources, the brainchild of STEM innovatorsJadesola Adedeji and Dr. Funmi Ogunwuyi, has been at the forefront of transforming STEM education in Nigeria. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the organisation has spent a decade creating innovative programs designed to reignite the joyof learning among Nigerian children. Through hands-on activities, workshops, and tailored curricula, STEM METS empowers African children with future ready skills using creative and innovative learning tools.
The organisation has trained over 30,000 children aged 3 - 16 and 580 teachers, impacting over 51,000 lives across the continent. Its approach to STEM education centres on shifting the focus from the current outdated theory-heavy 'cram and recall' approach to a dynamic skills-based model that emphasises practical knowledge.
Through this, students receive hands-on experiential instruction that supports curriculum ensuring they have a better learning experience, retain more, and achieve better learning outcomes. STEM METS believes that STEM education should teach more than science, but also critical skills to access better opportunitiesand aid economic development. This includes learning skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity; literacy skills such as information, digital, and research; and life skills such as flexibility, leadership, initiative, and productivity. These skills are crucial for thriving in today's fast-changing world.
The impact of STEM METS can be seen in the students and families it serves. The students benefit from increased confidence, improved academic performance, and a stronger interest in STEM careers. (Insert case study about a successful alumnus)
Beyond individual success stories, STEM METS is contributing to community development by addressing the systemic issues in education. By providing critical STEM training for teachers, the organisation empowers educators to deliver more effective and engaging lessons, multiplying the benefits of its programs. STEM METS also collaborates with schools, parents, organisations, and relevant policymakers to build a more supportive ecosystem for learning.
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The Future of STEM METS
STEM METS envisions a future where education in Nigeria, especially STEM education, is both inclusive and technology driven. It aims to leverage technologies like robotics, virtual reality, gaming, and e-sports programs to further enhance learning experiences, and ignite a passion for new career opportunities in the global space. It has also reaffirmed its commitment to equipping educators with the skills and resources to deliver STEM education effectively, ensuring long-term success and scalability.
The journey of STEM METS over the past decade shows that quality STEM education is possible, even within Nigeria's challenging education system. By inspiring students, empowering teachers, and collaborating with communities, STEM METS has laid a foundation for a future where the next generation are skilled to meet the demands of an innovation-driven future. With continued investment and support, organisations like these can transform not just education but also the broader society.
As Nigeria looks to the next decade, the promise of STEM education offers hope. It is a path toward innovation, equity, and prosperity. It is also a way to prepare the next generation to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and build a stronger, more resilient nation. STEM education is not just a solution; it is an opportunity to redefine what is possible for millions of Nigerian children.
