LRF Discusses STEM Challenges & Ways to Bridge Up Gaps in Nigeria

LRF Discusses STEM Challenges & Ways to Bridge Up Gaps in Nigeria

The Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) held a robust reading culture dialogue session on Saturday, 5 October 2024.

The LRF Reading Culture Dialogue session, “STEM Curriculum in Nigeria: What Are the Gaps and How Do We Bridge Them?”, was held on Zoom, chaired by Babatunde Oladele. The participants identified the key challenges of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and application in Nigeria, and suggested ways to bridge existing gaps. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, has significant potential to leverage STEM for economic development and technological advancement.

Some of the challenges identified include inadequate laboratory facilities, limited access to modern equipment, unreliable power supply, and poor internet connectivity. The shortage of qualified STEM teachers is a concern, as are the outdated teaching methodologies, limited professional development opportunities, and poor teacher retention in rural areas.

Also notable are the outdated curriculum, limited practical exposure of students, and insufficient emphasis on problem-solving.

A lot of the participants who had left Nigeria shared experiences of what they faced here, compared to what is applicable in the various countries they now reside in. The system in Europe, America, Asia etc. seems far more organised in comparison.

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

Some short-term solutions proposed include the following:

1. Educational Enhancement
   • Implement teacher training programmes
   • Develop digital learning resources
   • Establish mobile STEM laboratories
   • Create mentorship programmes
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
   • Emphasise project-based learning

Long-term solutions include:

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 short, 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.

Implementing these recommendations in schools and institutions will position Nigerian to better leverage STEM for economic development and technological advancement, thereby contributing to its global competitiveness and sustainable development goals.