Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) has announced plans to establish vocational and technology centres across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Acting Executive Chairman of the Board, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, made this announcement during the inaugural science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship stakeholder meeting organized by the board in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wenegieme stated that the initiative aims to use locally available resources to promote innovation and technology among school children in these areas. This initiative will be implemented with the help of Science Coordinators and Local Education Authority Secretaries already appointed in all six area councils. Additionally, science teachers and zonal coordinators will support this effort.
Wenegieme emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on equipping school children with self-reliance skills. The agenda aims to transform students into job creators and employers rather than job seekers by the time they complete their basic education.
The FCT UBEB is committed to providing quality, inclusive, and functional basic education that prepares students for life, work, and lifelong learning. The board is determined to foster an environment where innovation thrives, teachers are empowered, and learners are inspired to achieve their full potential. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, educators, development partners, and the private sector.
Mrs Angela Nwachukwu, Director of the Department of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, noted that the meeting aimed to facilitate collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment. The event was intended to develop strategies to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into classroom teaching, ensuring that students acquire skills relevant to real-life situations and future career opportunities.
Nwachukwu mentioned that the initiative also focuses on building the capacity of teachers through innovative teaching methods, continuous professional development, and modern instructional tools. This approach is expected to improve classroom delivery and learner participation.
Mr Idris Isiaku, Deputy Director in the Department, added that the meeting aimed to introduce the department’s mandate, vision, and strategic direction to stakeholders. It also aimed to raise awareness of the critical role that science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship play in transforming basic education by equipping learners with both academic knowledge and practical skills necessary for self-reliance and national development.