The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning the state from a consumption-driven economy to a productive and innovation-led one through the expansion of its Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, STEAM initiatives.
This commitment was highlighted at the second edition of the Innovate Eko STEAM Day, held at the Education Resource Center, Ikeja, where the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education organized a sensitization programme to advance creativity, critical thinking, and skill acquisition in STEAM education.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, emphasized the importance of collaboration, accessibility, career guidance, and teacher support in empowering students to become problem solvers equipped for the future.
“Our focus in Lagos State is on having science-oriented students. In the past three years, we have prioritized recruiting science-oriented teachers because we believe that the future starts now,” the Commissioner said. He added that the state aims not only to improve teaching and learning outcomes but also to nurture confident students capable of defining their career paths early.
Highlighting progress recorded so far, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, revealed that the ministry has achieved a 25 percent increase in enrollment in STEAM subjects across participating schools.
She noted that Lagos students have continued to excel nationally, securing top positions in the National Engineers and Scientists Competition organized by the Federal Ministry of Education.
She further disclosed that in the 2024 High State Assessment, 70 percent of tracked primary school girls scored 70 percent or above in STEAM-related subjects, an achievement she described as evidence of the state’s success in breaking gender barriers and encouraging more girls to pursue science and engineering.
Dokunmu-Adegbite added that since 2021, Lagos has supported the development of over 100 student-led innovations, including green energy prototypes and AI-powered tools, with about 30 percent advancing to the patent stage through funding from the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council.
These innovations, she said, reflect the readiness of Lagos youth to address global challenges such as climate change and digital advancement.
She attributed the achievements to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, which positions education and technology as central pillars for sustainable development.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education and convener of the event, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, said the programme demonstrates Lagos State’s determination to prepare its children for the future.
He noted that Innovate Eko STEAM Day provides a platform for students to showcase groundbreaking inventions, cutting-edge research, and bold ideas.
This year’s theme, “Recycle, Rethink and Innovate,” guided panel discussions focused on recycling, upcycling, and creative problem-solving. The sessions encouraged students to explore science and technology as tools for developing practical solutions to real-world challenges, further cementing Lagos State’s vision of building a dynamic, innovation-driven economy.