Rivers govt reiterates commitment to STEM education, human capital development

The Rivers State Government says it is strengthening its commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM, education to equip young people with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, said STEM education is essential to developing critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills among students, beyond conventional classroom learning.

Wokoma made this known in Port Harcourt while receiving members of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, STAN, Rivers State Branch, who paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.

He said Governor Siminalayi Fubara understands the importance of quality education, scientific research, technological innovation and digital transformation to the state’s future economic growth.

In a statement signed by Juliana Masi, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the SSG said the government is committed to providing opportunities for young people to acquire scientific and technological knowledge that would prepare them for emerging careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

“Rivers State Government believes that empowering its young population with scientific and technological knowledge is essential to preparing them for future opportunities and positioning the state as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial development,” he said.

He added that sustained investment in STEM education would improve the state’s human capital and prepare the next generation to contribute to economic development and technological advancement.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Peter Nwagor, praised STAN for its role in promoting science education, encouraging academic excellence and inspiring innovation among students.

Nwagor urged the association to maintain its commitment to improving science education and assured it of the Ministry of Education’s continued support and collaboration.

Earlier, the acting chairman of STAN in Rivers State, Dr Ibifiri Pollyn, commended the state government for its partnership with science teachers, saying the collaboration had helped strengthen the teaching workforce and improve learning outcomes in schools.

Pollyn also presented two students of Government Secondary School, Orominike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, who won third place at the National Science Project Exhibition.

She equally presented Dr Gladys Chikere, a science teacher who emerged second in the teachers’ category at the 2026 STAN National Annual Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

She described the recognitions as evidence of the capacity of Rivers State students and teachers to excel in science and technology, saying their achievements had brought honour to the state.