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In a bid to battle the poor state of science and technology in the country which studies show is the lack of proper teaching methods and introduction of practicals, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) 4 Africa has come up a pet project termed Lego Robotic Challenge.
STEM4Africa is an international non-profit organization founded in 2016 with its headquarters in Houston, TX and operational branch offices in Oakland and Los Angeles.
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They stormed Hallmark School, Agidingbi, Lagos for the first ever Robotic Challenge in Nigeria, thrilling pupils, students, parents and other stake holders in the educational industry.
The event saw pupils/students from various schools shared into different teams where they were lectured and trained in metamorphosis. The different teams were made to build robotics out of building blocks pieces and program them to be operated by a smart mobile device.
The excitement could not be controlled as the kids who chose different names for their teams likes MORPHIX, JETS, XTREME TRANSFORMERS, built robotics which solved everyday issues like Push and Pull, Pollination, Resistance, Speed, Force, etc.
The participants were also made to come up with lessons, modifications, observations, predictions, objectives and conclusions on the projects they engaged in. Working in teams of three to four students each with a coaches and supervisors, the participants were able to practice teamwork, patience, face challenges and solve problems together.
Most important of all, was the fact that they were able to work hands on as against the theoretical approach which schools adopt in the teaching of STEM subjects in Nigeria.
It was not an all work day, kids were treated to sumptuous meals, snacks, ice cream breaks, interaction and lots more. After the robots were built, an exhibition was organized where parents took time to see what the children had done and listen as they explained the projects.
It was indeed a successful event where kids learnt in a day perhaps what their counterparts would not learn in a lifetime.
Certificated were given to the members of each team in the areas of Efficiency, Exploration, presentation, Energy, Commitment, creativity etc. At the end of the day, everyone was a winner.
According to, Kingsely Ufere, President of STEM4Africa, it is good to catch the kids young and train them in a path they won’t forget.
“Children in primary schools can easily assimilate much now, than later in life; they are open to learning. Children from the age of 8 to 12, makes games in America, so why can’t we have same here. Build up our children’s strength in science. We are teaching them how to solve real life problems with scientific and robotic approach,” he said.
Adding to that Michael Olusegun Omiyale , Vice President of STEM4Africa, stated that the initiative is bent on teaching the kids more of practicals in science, than memorization which has been the case all this while.
“In America, it is a different ball game! The kids there do more of practicals to emphasize on what they are being taught.
With time, patience and support from all and sundry, we shall make this a success. It is a moving progress.
This is our first outing and we intend taking it to different schools in not just Nigeria but Africa in general. Private and government owned schools would be reached out to, in order for them to participate.”
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