Federal government has urged tertiary institutions of learning to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses to facilitate Nigeria’s development.
In a press statement signed by the head, press and protocol, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, stated that President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, made this known at the 6th and 7th Convocation ceremony of Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.
He reiterated that education is the focal point of the renewed hope agenda, “prioritizing STEM courses by offering scholarships, internships, graduate school admissions and employment opportunities to high-achieving STEM students”, remains non-negotiable.
“We live in a rapidly changing world which requires our constant commitment to pursue Innovations, knowledge and skills in our institutions in order to be relevant and to make our society a better place”, the President stated.
Furthermore, the president commended the university administration for the addition of Engineering and Nursing programmes which brings the total number of courses to 53, saying. He stressed that education is the bedrock of societal development. It is the key to unlocking the vast potential of our youth population, and the cornerstone on which we shall build a prosperous future for Nigeria “.
Also, the vice chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said the university will be graduating a total number of 2,738 students, cutting across various fields of endeavours at the 6th and 7th Convocation ceremony.
He said the university has made tremendous strides in the sphere of academics, as it has “made the elite list of the maiden Times Higher Education 2023 sub-Saharan Africa (Webo-metric ranking) universities ranking, falling within the 51st – 60th bracket out of the 120 Sub Saharan Universities that were ranked, using the criteria of Resources and Finance, Access and Fairness, Teaching Skills, Students Engagement and Africa Impact.”