Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) says it is shaping the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs through the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and entrepreneurship among school children. The acting Executive Chairman, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, stated this at the 16th edition of FCT-UBEB annual Junior Engineers, Technology Scientist (JETS), and Entrepreneurship competition.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Wenegieme, who was represented by the Director of Physical Planning and Project Monitoring, Mr. Mansur Sule, emphasized that ‘age is no barrier to innovation.’ The event themed ‘Popularising Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Entrepreneurship Education,’ showcased the creative talent of primary and junior secondary school students across the FCT. The initiative aims to shift young minds away from job-hunting toward wealth creation, with students as young as those in primary school already manufacturing items for sale.
Wenegieme highlighted the support of the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to position young students as national leaders in technology and enterprise. Mrs. Angela Owan-Chukwu, Director of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, stressed the importance of early intervention to help Nigerian youth become problem solvers and job creators. She also praised the growing synergy between public and private institutions.
Owan-Chukwu noted that funding remains a critical hurdle, appealing to both public authorities and private investors to support the initiative. Dr. Olobashola Kolawole, Director, FCT Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, represented by Mrs. Evelyn Eneja, emphasized that the event goes beyond a mere contest and highlighted the importance of science, technology, and entrepreneurship in nation-building.
Echoing these sentiments, FCT JETS Coordinator, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, stated that the goal is to train self-reliant graduates who would create opportunities rather than hunt for jobs. STEM and entrepreneurship are considered vital drivers of self-reliance and national growth. The event’s highlights included project exhibitions and the presentation of awards to top innovators across various categories.