AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Saturday, August 20, was a day to remember for learners between age nine and 17 as they converged on the permanent site of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture) for the STEM 2022 Showcase.
The programme by PAULESI, held in concert with STEM Café, RAIN, Born to Fly and PAULESI 3D Lab, featured 3-D Modeling and Design; Robotics and Artificial Intelligence; Physical Computing and Embedded Systems; Digital Laboratory Scratch Programming; and Flying of Drone.
The workshop had in attendance science and technology inclined learners of elementary and secondary schools, who expressed excitement about the new knowledge.
According to them, it would serve as an impetus to a fulfilled educational life.
Joshua Etum Udom, an SS3 student from Immanuel College High School, Ibadan, expressed the desire to study Robotic Engineering. After being shown round the exhibition, he said, “I have seen drones and that is my line and passion; I love it.”
Amina Olaogun, an SS2 student, who aspire to be a medical doctor expressed joy on the initiative, stating, “I love the exhibition; it would help me as well as other participating students to become better.”
Juliana Olanrewaju also expressed excitement on the training workshop, saying that it would help them to make informed decisions in their career choices.
Olanrewaju said that “I really feel great about the programme because it has helped so many students. Before this programme, most students didn’t know much about robotics, but after going through the just concluded session, we now know that robotics is very important virtually in all fields. It would help in their career paths. For instance, they just made us to know that a drone can be used to apply fertilizer and pesticides on plants.
“You can work from the comfort of your home without stressing yourself. I want them to continue to sponsor this programme for the benefit of young learners.”
Janet Odunayo, a parent whose children attend New Horizon College, Aba Nla area, Ologuneru, Ibadan, said that the training would provide them with experience in line with their aspiration to explore technology to the advantage of mankind. “This exposure would trigger the passion in them,” she said.
Daye Omoma of STEM Café said that the programme by PAULESI was designed to focus learners between age five and 17.
“We are particular about students in elementary and secondary schools. Our belief is that if we catch them young by exposing them to STEM programmes, we can inspire their potentials.
“At STEM Café, our space are always open throughout the year so the kids can always partake. We partner various institutions like the Sahara Foundation, Cisco and Health Wallet.
“We take this programme to public schools for free to make sure that they are impacted and also to give them confidence that they can excel,” he said.
