70% of Lagos Primary School Girls Excel In STEAM Subjects, Says Education Ministry
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the state from a consumption-based economy into a productive, innovation-driven one by strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education across schools.
This pledge was emphasized at the second edition of the Innovate Eko STEAM Day, held in Ikeja. The event, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education, featured a sensitisation programme designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning in STEAM-related fields.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, underscored the importance of collaboration, accessibility, career guidance, and educator support in leveraging technology for societal development. He noted that the state’s strategic investment in STEAM education is equipping students with essential problem-solving skills.
He added that the government is committed not only to improving teaching and learning outcomes but also to developing confident and courageous students who can define their career paths early.
Highlighting the state’s achievements, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, revealed that Lagos has recorded a 25 per cent increase in enrolment for STEAM subjects across participating schools, noting that ” Lagos students continue to excel nationally, securing top positions in the National Engineers and Scientists Competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education”.
Dokunmu-Adegbite also disclosed that in the 2024 High State Assessment, 70 per cent of tracked primary school girls scored 70 per cent or above in STEAM-related subjects.
She further noted that since 2021, Lagos State has supported the development of more than 100 student-led innovations, including green energy prototypes and AI-driven tools. About 30 per cent of these projects, she said, have advanced to the patenting stage with support from the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council.
Dokunmu-Adegbite credited the progress to the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda places education and technology at the centre of sustainable development in Lagos.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education and Convener of the programme, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, commended the state’s dedication to preparing students for the future. He noted that Innovate Eko STEAM Day provides students with a platform to showcase groundbreaking talents, inventions, research, and innovative ideas.
