By Funmilayo Adeyemi
A The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has called on young innovators to take the lead in driving Nigeria’s future growth.
Ahmad spoke in Abuja on Monday at the second annual National Science, Technology, and Innovation Project Exhibition for senior secondary school students from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The exhibition, organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), has the theme “Tech Harvest: Digital Solutions for Food Production in Nigeria.”.
Ahmad emphasised the vital role of creativity, technology, and innovation in shaping the nation’s progress.
She urged the nation’s youth to harness their skills and ideas to address key challenges, accelerate development, and position Nigeria as a global leader in various sectors.
“As a nation, our ability to harness technology to address food security challenges is essential for sustainable development.
“If we are able to translate the knowledge we gain and leverage the digital transformation in the country, many of the challenges we face, including food security, can be tackled.”
The minister said that young Nigerians were actively engaging with real-world issues and proposing technological solutions that would shape the future of agriculture and food production.
“As I said, we are addressing all aspects of life, not just food security. I urge you to bring forth innovative ideas that can solve many of our challenges,” she said.
Ahmad said she was happy with the projects on display, as they did not just highlight the ingenuity of the students but also demonstrated their ability to think critically and creatively.
“These young innovators are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the problem-solvers of today.
“We must continue to nurture and support their potential. To my students, I say this: the future belongs to you, and the possibilities are endless. As they say, the sky is not the limit; it is just the starting point,” she said.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, expressed delight with the event’s expansion to include students from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ajayi acknowledged the support of the Minister of State for Education and other distinguished guests, emphasising their critical role in advancing education and innovation.
He outlined NSSEC’s mandate to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Design, and Mathematics (STEAM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and entrepreneurial skills.
The executive secretary said that the exhibition served as a platform for students to showcase their talents and connect with potential partners in government and industry to develop their projects.
He also highlighted NSSEC’s ongoing efforts to improve senior secondary education, including the upgrading of schools, teacher training, and policy development.