The Abia State Government, in collaboration with ASSPPAA-ISBORS Platforms Limited, on Thursday ,officially unveiled the Science Teachers’ Championship, aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across schools in the state.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, held at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described STEM as a critical component of education in today’s world
Elder Ubochi represented by the Director, Science Technology and Vocational Education, Mrs. Hope Nwosu emphasized the State Government’s dedication to enhancing STEM education in Abia.
“We want to promote STEM because of its advantages. Our government has already launched an online platform as regards to teaching and learning.
“We also have the state competitions, we should not be left behind. Schools should cue – in; private schools, private schools, everyone should be involved”, Ubochi stated.
He further highlighted the State Government’s ongoing efforts to address the shortage of Science Teachers in public schools pointing out that “the present administration is giving serious attention to Science Subjects.
“We have taken time to compile the list of the needed teachers in all the subjects in Sciences. Very soon our public schools will be filled with Science Teachers“, he added.
Elder Ubochi encouraged teachers to remain committed to their roles, assuring them that their efforts are recognized and rewarded.
“Under this administration, the reward of teachers is no longer only in heaven but here on earth first,” Ubochi noted.
He thanked Mr. Patrick Ochuba and the ASSPPAA-ISBORS team for their partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
In his presentation, the Co-Founder of the Science Teachers’ Championship (STC), Mr Patrick Ochuna, outlined the objectives of the platform and explained that the STC is designed to digitally connect science teachers and students in both public and private secondary schools across Abia State.
He said; “The aim is to reinvigorate the teaching profession, to make the teaching profession to be very lucrative, very interesting, very attractive and very entertaining.
“The platform has been structured around the WAEC, NECO and JAMB Syllables, so we are not going outside the curriculum to perform the practicals. The difference is that we are moving them away from theories to practicals, so emphasis is on experience in practicals.
He urged Secondary School Principals, Head Teachers, Science Teachers, and Students to register for the competition at www.scienceteacherschampionship.com, adding that registration and participation is free.
According to him; “The promoters of the Science Teachers Championship (STC) will reward Monthly Best Biology, Chemistry and Physics teachers with CASH prizes of #50,000 per teacher, while Monthly Best Science Students will receive #20,000 per student, adding that Teachers who upload Science experiments on the platform will earn ₦1,000 per experiment, credited directly to their e-wallet or bank accounts.
“The relevance, social impact and effectiveness of the Science Teachers Championship will be better appreciated by Abia State Government and the general public at the end of February 2025 when the first set of winners across the State will emerge.
“At the comfort of your homes and offices through your mobile phones and laptops, everyone is seamlessly connected to the classroom activities and engagements of Science Teachers and sytudents in the state. This engagement is fun in itself“, Ochuna added.
The event, which featured a question-and-answer session, was graced by dignitaries including the representative of the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Special Adviser on Basic Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Uchechukwu Kalu; and other key Education Stakeholders.
