In a move to promote science education in schools across Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC) Foundation has flagged off the distribution of 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) books across Nigeria, beginning with the School of Gifted in Gwagwalada Local Government Area, Federal Capital Territory.
The charity arm of the state-owned company began the distribution on Monday at the official handover of 1,000 STEMS books to the management of the School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada.
The NNPC Foundation had disclosed that it is expanding its social impact initiatives with three transformative programmes aimed at improving healthcare, education, and agriculture across Nigeria.
NNPC believes that the STEMS initiative will bridge the educational gaps and inspire future scientists.
Speaking at the flag-off of the initiative, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella N. Arukwe, said the programme will help Nigeria achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Arukwe said, “NNPC Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the NNPCL, and we are focused on education, health, environment and access to energy.
Middle: Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella N. Arukwe and Principal, Bello Adamu Audu of the School for the Gifted, At the Hand Over of Mini-STEMS Library In Gwagwalada, FCT
“This is part of our educational initiative. We believe so much in STEM because it is vital for progress in all countries. It is one of the programmes that will be able to enhance technology and Nigeria as the foremost African country and developing nation; STEM is very critical.
“We need to make sure that we programme ourselves and the future through STEM education. We see it as something that is critical for our technological future. The books we are donating start from junior to senior secondary, and we believe it will engender the development of STEM-related disciplines and the advancement of Nigeria.”
She said the flag-off is the second phase, and it will cut across 24 states and the FCT.
She said last year, the NNPC Foundation distributed 50,000 STEM books across Nigeria.
Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella N. Arukwe, Principal of School for the Gifted, At the Hand Over of Mini-STEMS Library In Gwagwalada, FCT, Bello Adamu Audu
Commenting on the gesture, the principal of the school, Bello Adamu Audu, who also represented the director/secretary of the Secondary Education Board, Dr Ladan Mohammed, expressed excitement with the gesture.
Audu said, “On behalf of the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest welcome to each and every one of you. Your generous donation of books to our school library is a testament to your commitment to education and your support for our students’ growth and development.
Students of the School for the Gifted At the Hand Over of Mini-STEMS Library In Gwagwalada, FCT
“Your partnership with us is a shining example of the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations and communities come together to make a difference.
Bello said the school lacks ICT gadgets such as desktop computers, laptops and internet facilities.
“We look forward to receiving such gestures from your good office. Thank you for your kindness and support. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and exploring ways to work together to enhance the educational experience of our students.”
