The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei-Adutwum, has assured that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education will place Ghana at the forefront with nations that use new technology to address societal concerns, raise living standards and generate chances for economic growth and prosperity.
The Minister made this known yesterday, when he spoke at the maiden edition of the STEM Road Show, at the Accra High Senior School.
He underlined the significance of giving Ghanaian children the skills they will need to succeed in the fourth industrial revolution.
“The world went through the first industrial revolution and then we went through the second industrial revolution, and then we went to the third industrial revolution, which was the era of computer science, and now we are at the fourth industrial revolution, where there is a merger of the biological and the electrical, and things are changing,” Dr. Adutwum stated.
He emphasised the necessity for a paradigm shift and the significance of revamping the STEM education to match the demands of a society that is changing quickly, stating “We must nurture the innate curiosity and critical thinking abilities of our students.
“STEM education encourages creativity, problem-solving and collaboration, which are essential skills for the future.
“It is estimated that in some ten years, about 30 percent of the jobs that we give to robots will be done by AI.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing a lot of things. The question still remains, how do we prepare our youth to meet this everchanging landscape?” he said.
He made the remarks under the theme: “Imagine, Explore, Create: Unleashing the Power of STEM,” which is aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among Ghanaian students.
Also present at the event were the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Head Teacher of Accra High Senior High School, Evelyn Sagbli Nabia, Students of the school, Labone Senior High, St. Thomas Senior High School and other important dignitaries.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah underscored the government’s dedication to closing the STEM education gap and empowering Ghanaian students in his remarks.
He said the Akufo-Addo administration is committed to funding STEM education as a way to invest in the future of our country.
Ms. Evelyn Sagbli Nabia emphasised the benefits of STEM education for her students, saying it has given them the opportunity to explore new avenues.
She encouraged the students to take advantage of the investment being made and inspired them to consider careers in STEM fields, that they may not have previously considered.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Information, gave participants an immersive and engaging educational experience.
Through the first Road Show, students got the chance to investigate cutting-edge technologies do scientific experiments and take part in practical activities that illustrate how STEM disciplines are used in real-world settings.
The maiden STEM Road Show served as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to empowering students and preparing them for a future marked by technological advancements. The event not only sparked a passion for science and technology but also underscored the potential of STEM education to shape the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
