The Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as a strategic instrument for building human capital and equipping young people to meet the demands of a changing global economy.
Secretary to the State Government Dagogo Wokoma made the position known in Port Harcourt on Wednesday when members of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Branch, paid him a courtesy visit. He emphasised that STEM education extends well beyond classroom instruction, equipping young people with the critical thinking, problem-solving and innovative skills required to thrive in the modern world.
Wokoma explained that Governor Siminalayi Fubara recognises that the state’s future economic development depends largely on quality education, scientific discovery, technological innovation and digital transformation. According to him, the government is committed to creating an enabling environment in which young people can acquire relevant scientific and technological knowledge that prepares them for emerging opportunities.
“Rivers State Government believes that empowering its young population with scientific and technological knowledge is essential to preparing them for future opportunities and positioning the state as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial development,” he said.
The SSG added that sustained investment in STEM education would strengthen the state’s human capital base and equip the next generation with the competencies needed to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and technological advancement.
Education ministry pledges continued collaboration
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, commended the Rivers State Branch of STAN for its dedication to nurturing young minds, promoting innovation and encouraging academic excellence. He urged the association to sustain its contributions to science education and assured its members of the Ministry of Education’s continued collaboration and support.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of STAN, Rivers State Branch, Ibifiri Pollyn, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued partnership with science teachers. She said the collaboration had contributed to efforts to build a more productive, responsible and self-reliant teaching workforce while improving learning outcomes across schools in the state.
Students and teacher honoured for national recognition
Pollyn presented two students from Government Secondary School, Orominike in D-Line, Port Harcourt, who emerged third-place winners at the National Science Project Exhibition. She also presented Gladys Chikere, a science teacher, who secured second position in the teachers’ category at the 2026 STAN National Annual Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Describing the achievements as a testament to the potential of Rivers State students and teachers, Pollyn said their performance had brought honour to the state.
“Their achievements are a source of pride to Rivers State Government and a demonstration of the potential of our science teachers and learners,” she said.
Why STEM education matters
STEM education in Nigeria is an integrated learning approach focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It shifts classrooms away from traditional memorisation and cramming toward hands-on, project-based problem-solving, giving learners practical experience that mirrors real-world challenges.
The Rivers State Government’s renewed emphasis on the model reflects a broader recognition that scientific and technological literacy is central to economic competitiveness. By investing in teachers, encouraging innovation and celebrating student achievement, the state is seeking to build a pipeline of skilled young people ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
For Rivers State, the message from the courtesy visit was clear: STEM education is not a supplementary subject area but a foundation for human capital development, entrepreneurial growth and long-term economic advancement.
