By Sherifat Oyelakin,
The Federal House of Representatives-Elect and former Commissioner for Forestry, Ogun State, Engr. Hon. Olatunji Akinosi has pledged support for STEM Education just as Welkin International College, Atan cliches the first position in a keenly contested STEM Competition organised by Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ota Branch on May 24 2023.
The Competition, which had participants from Public and Private Secondary schools across Ado Odo/Ota Local Government, Ogun State was held at National Laboratory Complex, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, (NBRRI), Km 12, Ido-Iroko Road, Ota Ogun State was computer based tests and sponsored by Hon Olatunji Akinosi
Speaking through a representative, Balogun Oladimeji, Akinosi, a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, FNSE noted the importance of STEM education and pledged to support more STEM competitions in the constituency. He identified the fear and hindrances that prevent young people from going into STEM careers, especially engineering and technology.
Engr Akinosi admonished young people to remain focused and dedicated on their pathway to adulthood. He re-affirmed his commitment towards the continuous sponsoring of the competition and other innovative ideas that will propel young people to become responsible members of the community. He urged the students to see results as not determinant of who they are but rather a motivation become better regardless of outcome.
Akinosi, who is also a Fellow of Nigerian Institution of mechanical Engineers and representing Ado Odo/Ota Federal Constituency at Federal House of Representatives in 10th Assembly, said that he believe so much in investing in the future of our young generation, and emphasized the need to do everything possible to keep encouraging them to be better.
Earlier, chairman of the society of engineers, Ota Branch, Engr. Adewale George Adeyemi, in his remark commended Engr Akinosi’s contributions to STEM education.
In his word, “Society grows great when great men/women plant trees whose shade they and their immediate family shall never sit in, and in this view, let me on behalf of the president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and members of NSE Ota appreciate Engr Tunji Akinosi, the members elect Ado Odo Ota Federal Constituency, for his great support and passion for his constituency (NSE and Ado Odo Ota Federal constituency).”
Adeyemi stressed that Engineering and other STEM professionals are the major determinant in national development.
“We must activate the interest of our young ones in foundational subjects required to produce engineers for the future, who are expected to innovative and invent new ideas to improve the nation’s infrastructure and move the nation from importing to production economy and this is the mission of our gathering here.” He said.
He said the goal of the branch in organisng Engr Tunji Akinosi S.T.E.M Quiz competition is stimulate interest of students and prepare them for their future career.
He thanked the management of NBRRI for hosting this program and appreciated various school management that participated in the competition. He also used the opportunity appreciate the Chairman of STEM organising committee, Engr Dr Edith Alagbe, who is also teh Vice Chairman of the Branch for putting together the event.
Earlier, the the Vice Chairman of the Branch who also doubled as STEM Committee Chairman, Dr. Mrs. Edith Alagbe has introduced the rules of the competition while encouraging the Students
And the end of the Competition, Welkin International College, Atan came 1st, Iju Ebiye High School, Iju came 2nd, while Fountain Comprehensive Secondary School, Ota got the 3rd position with 225, 175 and 156 points respectively.
They were rewarded with their trophies and cash prizes Presented a past Chairman of the Branch, Engr. Friday Apeh. Consolation prizes was also given to other participants,.
Edited by isqil Najim
Secondary School Students Dazzle Engineers at NSE Ota Maiden STEM Competition, Win Prizes