The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria, commending the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) for its efforts in promoting scientific learning.
Speaking at an event, Dr. Alausa emphasized the critical role of vocational and technical education in addressing workforce challenges, urging a shift from traditional degree-focused learning to skills-driven education that meets industry demands.
Dr. Alausa expressed concern over the disconnect between university education and employability, highlighting that while graduates continue to flood the labor market, certain sectors remain in desperate need of skilled workers. Using the healthcare sector as an example, he stated, “If we train 1,000 nurses today, jobs will still be waiting for them.” This, he explained, underscores the urgency for Nigeria’s education system to embrace lifelong learning, digital transformation, and technological advancements to keep up with global trends.
The Minister called on STAN to establish digital learning platforms nationwide, akin to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), emphasizing that education should not be about physical structures alone, but about impact and accessibility. “It’s not about the buildings, but the impact beyond them,” he noted, stressing the importance of making STEM education more inclusive and technologically driven.
In response, Prof. Ben Akpan, a representative of STAN’s Governing Council, reiterated the association’s commitment to advancing STEM education and called for government support in establishing a dedicated STEM center. He invited Dr. Alausa to attend STAN’s Annual Council Meeting at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where the Minister is set to receive the STAN Fellowship Award for his outstanding contributions to STEM education in Nigeria.
Earlier, Dr. Muyibat Olodo, Director of Science and Technology, reaffirmed STAN’s commitment to capacity-building, urging the Minister to sustain his support for STEM initiatives. She stressed that collaborations between government and educators would play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce.
With Nigeria’s growing emphasis on digital innovation and STEM education, Dr. Alausa’s remarks serve as a clarion call for a paradigm shift in the country’s education system, ensuring that learners are equipped with skills relevant to the evolving global economy.
