NCDMB Reaffirms Support for STEM Education

February 21, 2023
NCDMB NCI Fund

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as part of a corporate strategy to develop the capacities of Nigerians for value-adding activities in the petroleum sector in the years to come.

This was disclosed by its Executive Secretary, Mr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, while speaking at the presentation of prizes to winners of the 5th and 6th editions of the NTA Yenagoa Science Quiz Competition, sponsored by the board.

Represented by the Manager of Corporate Corporations, Mr Esueme Dan Kikile, he said, “It is critical for the board to encourage our young ones to start early to develop an interest in science subjects.”

According to him, the initiative is in line with NCDMB’s mandate “to build local capacities in the oil and gas industry, noting with satisfaction that the standard of competition and the participating schools had improved remarkably since 2012/13 when it began.

He assured of continued sponsorship of the programme and commended NTA management, represented by Mrs Dauju Whyte, and the Quiz Coordinator, Mr Richman Okpobo, for quality performance in their respective roles.

Recalling other critical contributions the NCDMB has made to the development of education in Bayelsa State, particularly literacy in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), he said the organisation established well-resourced ICT Centres at Government Technical College, Okaka, Yenagoa, and Nembe National Grammar School (NNGS) in Nembe Local Government Area.

Other ICT Centres are at Government Secondary School (GSS), Opokuma, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area; Community Secondary School (CSS), Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Okpoama. The centres are equipped with computers, projectors, printers, and photocopiers and provided with computer instructors and Internet facilities. Each Centre has a power generating set with a backup inverter to ensure a stable power supply.

He also announced that the NCDMB also procured and distributed 18,000 copies of mathematics and computer textbooks to 188 secondary schools within the State. The Bayelsa State Post-Primary Schools Board (PPSB) also received 32 desktop computers, 752 computer textbooks and 752 computer workbooks donated by the Board.

In the results announced for the Science Quiz Competition of 2020/21, Faith Comprehensive Secondary School, Yenagoa, won the first prize, while Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama, had second place. In the third position was Belary School, also in Yenagoa. For 2021/22, Belary School won the first position, followed by Milky Way Academy, Yenagoa, while Faith Comprehensive Secondary School had the third position. For prizes, the contestants and schools received trophies, laptops, and three-in-one printers-scanners.

Adedapo Adesanya

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Leave a Reply

procurement standard BPP
Previous Story

Buhari Tasks BPP to Boost Procurement Standard

Traders Union Best Forex broker for scalping
Next Story

Traders Union Experts Compiled a List of Best Forex Brokers for Scalping

Latest from Education

SSANU

SSANU to Commence Strike March 18

By Adedapo Adesanya The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed its members across the country to kickstart mobilisation for a nationwide

Don't Miss