The Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB), in partnership with GIZ Nigeria under the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) Programme and the Kaiser Foundation for Social Development (KFSD), has commenced a four-day STEM Construction Summer Camp aimed at equipping young people with practical technical skills and exposing them to career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), particularly in the construction sector.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mrs. Mojisola Adenowo, while declaring the Camp opened at the Government Technical College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, said the initiative would serve as an opportunity for students to gain practical experience, develop their talents and explore careers in STEM-related fields.
Adenowo, noted that the programme was designed to develop skills and build innovative young people who can combine knowledge with practical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities, explaining that the students would learn to use tools and materials, interact with industry professionals and apply STEM knowledge to real-life challenges.
The Acting Executive Secretary urged the participating students to take active part in the activities, ask questions, collaborate with their peers and learn from the facilitators and mentors, stressing that the skills acquired could open pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance.
She also emphasised that technical and vocational education should not be regarded as a second choice, noting that it provides young people with opportunities to become skilled technicians, builders, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
The Acting Executive Secretary appreciated GIZ Nigeria under the SKYE Programme and the Kaiser Foundation for Social Development for their partnership with OGSTVEB in strengthening technical and vocational education opportunities in the state, while commending the facilitators, industry professionals, staff and organisers for their contributions to the success of the programme.
In his address, the GIZ State Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, emphasised the importance of skills acquisition, particularly for women and girls, noting that there were vast opportunities for them in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering.
He encouraged the girls, participating in the four-day summer camp to embrace engineering and other STEM-related skills, stressing that STEM was driving development across the world. Aliyu noted that with limited employment opportunities, even university graduates were increasingly returning to acquire practical skills to enhance their livelihoods, urging the students to remain attentive, participate actively in the training and make the most of the knowledge and skills that would be imparted during the camp.
The facilitators, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and Engr. Bola Adeoye, Chairman of the Association of Professional Women in Engineering Nigeria (APWEN), Abeokuta Branch, encouraged the students to take advantage of the training to develop practical skills and deepen their interest in engineering and other STEM-related fields
Adeoye emphasised the importance of hands-on learning, creativity and innovation in preparing young people for future career opportunities, while particularly encouraging female students to consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career path.
On behalf of the participating students, Akintona Rofiat and Oluwadaisi Favour appreciated the organisers for providing the opportunity to participate in the summer camp, describing the training as impactful and beneficial.
They said the practical knowledge and exposure gained during the programme had broadened their understanding of STEM and would be useful in their future careers.
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