The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) have renewed collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.
During a courtesy visit to the NERDC Headquarters PTDF Executive Secretary, Mr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu, recalled the earlier partnership between both organisations, which focused on revising teachers’ guides, developing training manuals and building teachers’ capacity for STEM-related subjects.
He noted that the initiative was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic, but stressed the commitment of both agencies to reviving and completing the programme.
Aminu disclosed that PTDF has procured 1,000 laptops loaded with specialised software for distribution to 1,000 schools nationwide.
The agency has also published new science materials which are currently under review at NERDC, and intends to distribute them across the same schools once approval is completed.
He further revealed that PTDF plans to train 6,000 teachers of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Mathematics and English Studies—drawn from all 774 Local Government Areas as well as Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.
According to him, the early completion of the review process by NERDC is critical, as it will enable swift distribution of learning materials and timely rollout of the nationwide teacher-training scheme.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, commended PTDF for the ambitious intervention, praising the patience and commitment of the Fund throughout the lengthy disruption caused by the pandemic.
He assured that the Council would expedite the review of the submitted materials and provide the necessary technical recommendations.
Prof. Shehu also affirmed NERDC’s readiness to support the teacher-training component by deploying qualified personnel to enhance the programme’s implementation.
Speaking on behalf of NERDC management, the Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Garba Gandu, expressed confidence that despite the delay, the project remains achievable and poised to deliver lasting impact.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of both agencies, including PTDF General Manager (Education & Training), Mrs. Rabi’ah Adamu-Waziri; Deputy General Manager (Education), Mr. Bello Mustaph; Technical Assistant to the ES, Mr. Suleiman Sani; and NERDC’s Head of Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Oladiran Famade.