Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Foundation has donated 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM, text books and mini libraries to 25 secondary schools across the country to bridge the gap in technological innovation and advancement.
Managing Director, NNPCL Foundation Ltd, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe said this Monday during the unveiling of 1,000 STEM books and mini science library at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
NNPCL Foundation is the social impact company of NNPC Limited, undertaking key initiatives in education, empowerment, health, environment and access to energy to boost social-economic development since inception in 2023.
Arukwe said the donation was the second phase of the initiative, highlighting that the foundation in 2024, donated 15,000 STEM books to 15 schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country and the FCT.
According to Arukwe, the world is increasingly technology-driven, hence it will be important to equip youths with the relevant skills to keep up with a fast-paced technological world and to foster economic development.
“The unveiling today at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja is symbolic, because we will be replicating same in 24 states, across the six geopolitical zones, within the month of April.
“As part of our educational initiatives, we are pleased to introduce the STEM books and Shelves Distribution Project, designed to enhance the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in secondary schools across Nigeria.
“A total of 40,000 STEM textbooks, from the first and second phases of this initiative, are to be distributed to public secondary schools in the 36 states and the FCT.
“With the identified schools receiving 1,000 copies each and a designated library bookshelf for storage and accessibility, we believe that gifted children have done so well and it will help them in their studies and future career choices,” she said.
She decried the limited access to STEM education in Nigeria, especially with paucity of requisite materials to enhance the learning process.
The director said NNPC Foundation is driving the initiative in secondary schools to build interest among youths to enable them navigate the modern world of science and technology.
Principal of the school, Malam Bello Audu lauded the gesture, adding that it is a testament to the foundation’s commitment towards education and support for students development.
Some of the students also expressed appreciation to the foundation for the gesture.
Anyanwu Ugonnaya, an SS3 science student, said the science books would assist them, especially in the forthcoming Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations, SSCE. (NAN)
