The Bayelsa State Government is prioritizing the enhancement of education by incorporating the teaching of Ijaw, French, and Chinese languages, along with a focus on science and mathematics in public schools. Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo noted the significance of these subjects to prepare students for diverse career opportunities and address negative perceptions about the state.
During a courtesy visit by the state chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Senator Ewhrudjakpo commended the association’s efforts and affirmed the government’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
The government’s deliberate recruitment of teachers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, agricultural science, computer science, as well as languages like Chinese, French, and Ijaw, underscores its dedication to fostering a well-rounded education system. The Deputy Governor encouraged teamwork within APWEN, urging the association to promote engineering among female students and highlighting the importance of collaboration to succeed in the male-dominated field.
APWEN’s state chairman, Engineer Diepreye Owana-Omubo, and vice chairman, Dr. Ann Jonathan Obuebitei, expressed the association’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, focusing on introducing the girl child to engineering at the basic education level. They commended the state government for establishing more technical colleges and recruiting science and mathematics teachers, contributing to the advancement of STEM education in the state.
The high point of the visit was the presentation of two awards to Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, acknowledging his unwavering support for APWEN’s initiatives and recognizing his contributions to the engineering profession at both state and national levels.
IMAGE: Atlanta Black Star