Determined to shift Lagos from a consumption-based economy to a productive and innovation-driven one, the Lagos State Government has intensified its adoption of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) framework to strengthen education and promote science-based skills across schools.
At the second edition of the Innovate Eko STEAM Day, held at Government College, Lagos, Eric-Moore, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education organised a sensitisation programme aimed at deepening creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning within STEAM education.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, stressed the importance of collaboration, accessibility, career mentorship, and educator support in leveraging technology to drive societal development and empower students with problem-solving skills.
“Our focus in Lagos State is on nurturing science-oriented students. Over the past three years, we have prioritised the recruitment of science-driven teachers because we believe the future begins now,” he said.
Alli-Balogun added that beyond improving teaching and learning outcomes, the State is committed to producing confident, courageous students capable of choosing their career paths early in life.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, highlighted the State’s progress, noting a 25% increase in STEAM subject enrolment across participating schools.
She revealed that Lagos continues to lead nationally in STEAM education, with its students consistently securing top positions in the National Engineers and Scientists Competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Providing further insight, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that in the 2024 High State Assessment, 70% of monitored primary school girls scored 70% or above in STEAM-related subjects.
According to her, over 100 student innovations have been developed in Lagos since 2021—including green energy prototypes and AI-powered tools—while about 30% have advanced to the patent stage through funding support from the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council.
She added that these achievements reflect the State’s commitment to preparing youth for global challenges from climate change to digital transformation.
“This growth aligns with our shift toward inquiry-based, hands-on teaching and dedicated funding for student-led projects that address local problems such as urban sustainability and digital inclusion,” she explained.
Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite emphasised that these milestones were made possible by the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda places Education and Technology at the core of sustainable development in Lagos.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned educationist and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, called for a complete overhaul of teaching and learning across Nigeria. He insisted that Africa’s development depends on a robust STEAM ecosystem.
“STEAM education requires that we rethink outdated pedagogies, recreate collaborative learning environments, and innovate with technology to empower the next generation of African problem-solvers,” he said.