LRF Discusses STEM Challenges and Ways to Bridge the Gaps

LRF Discusses STEM Challenges and Ways to Bridge the Gaps in the Nigerian Education System

The Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) held a robust reading culture dialogue session on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

The session, “STEM Curriculum in Nigeria: What Are the Gaps and How Do We Bridge Them?” was held through Zoom, with Mr. Babatunde Oladele, the convener, chairing it.

Mr. Babatunde appreciated everyone who was active in the past year, wished all a Happy New Year, and prayed for a great year for the Literary Renaissance Foundation.

The session started with an introduction by all the participants with a focus on name, specialization, and location. The introduction was apt, linking parents, students, teachers, STEM experts, etc. from different parts of the world with great experiences regarding the topic which focuses on the state of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and application in Nigeria, identifying key challenges and proposing strategic solutions to bridge existing gaps. The session had an influx of new interns of the LRF who were very vocal and active.

Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, has significant potential to leverage STEM for economic development and technological advancement.

Some of the challenges identified, to start with, include inadequate laboratory facilities, limited access to modern equipment, unreliable power supply, and poor internet connectivity, and challenges faced regarding teaching quality include shortage of qualified STEM teachers, outdated teaching methodologies, limited professional development opportunities, and poor teacher retention in rural areas.

The outdated content of the curriculum raised the issue of limited practical exposure, weak industry alignment, and insufficient emphasis on problem-solving.

A lot of the participants who left Nigeria shared their experiences of what they faced here compared to what is applicable in the various countries they now reside.

The system in Europe, America, Asia, etc. seems more organized in almost all ramifications compared to Africa.

Some major constraints in the Nigerian system affecting STEM, especially in government schools, include limited government funding, high cost of equipment, insufficient research grants, corruption, and poor maintenance of budgets.

After exploring and extensively discussing the challenges, the session progressed to providing ways to bridge the gap, and the following short- and long-term recommendations were made:

Short-Term Solutions

1. Educational Enhancement
   • Implement teacher training programs
   • Develop digital learning resources
   • Establish mobile STEM laboratories
   • Create mentorship programs
2. Infrastructure Development
   • Renovate existing laboratories
   • Provide basic equipment
   • Implement solar power solutions
   • Improve internet connectivity
3. Curriculum Reform
   • Update STEM curriculum
   • Integrate practical applications
   • Include industry-relevant skills
   • Emphasize project-based learning

Long-Term Solutions

1. Policy and Funding
   • Increase education budget allocation
   • Develop STEM education policy
   • Create tax incentives for STEM investments
   • Establish research funding mechanisms
2. Industry Collaboration
   • Create industry-academia partnerships
   • Develop apprenticeship programs
   • Establish innovation hubs
   • Support STEM startups
3. Social Integration
   • Promote female participation
   • Address cultural barriers
   • Develop rural outreach programs
   • Create awareness campaigns

In conclusion, bridging the STEM gap in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach, combining educational reform, infrastructure development, and industry collaboration. Success depends on sustained commitment from government, educational institutions, and industry partners, supported by regular monitoring and evaluation of outcomes.

The implementation of these recommendations in schools and institutions will position Nigeria to better leverage STEM for economic development and technological advancement, contributing to its global competitiveness and sustainable development goals.

The convener appreciated everyone for making time to attend the session, after which all necessary announcements were made on Sunday, January 19, 2025, earmarked for Founder’s Appreciation Day.