The Abia State Government, in collaboration with ASSPPAA-ISBORS Platforms Limited, on Thursday, officially unveiled the Science Teachers’ Championship, aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across schools in the state.
Abia State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, while speaking at the unveiling ceremony, held at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, described STEM as a critical component of education in today’s world.
Represented by Mrs. Hope Nwosu, Director, Science Technology and Vocational Education, Elder Ubochi emphasized the State Government’s dedication to enhancing STEM education in Abia.
“We want to promote STEM because of its advantages. Our government has already launched an online platform as regards to teaching and learning.
“We also have the state competitions, we should not be left behind. Schools should cue in; private schools, private schools, everyone should be involved”, Ubochi stated.
He further highlighted the State Government’s ongoing efforts to address the shortage of Science Teachers in public schools pointing out that “the present administration is giving serious attention to Science Subjects.
“We have taken time to compile the list of the needed teachers in all the subjects in Sciences. Very soon our public schools will be filled with Science Teachers,” he added.
Elder Ubochi encouraged teachers to remain committed to their roles, assuring them that their efforts are recognized and rewarded.
“Under this administration, the reward of teachers is no longer only in heaven but here on earth first,” Ubochi noted.
The Commissioner thanked Mr. Patrick Ochuba and the ASSPPAA-ISBORS team for their partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
CEO/MD, Assppaa-Isbors Platforms Limited and Co-Founder of the Science Teachers’ Championship (STC), Mr Patrick Ochuba, outlined the objectives of the platform and explained that the STC is designed to digitally connect science teachers and students in both public and private secondary schools across Abia State.
According to him, “The aim is to reinvigorate the teaching profession, to make the teaching profession to be very lucrative, very interesting, very attractive and very entertaining.
“The platform has been structured around the WAEC, NECO and JAMB Syllables, so we are not going outside the curriculum to perform the practicals. The difference is that we are moving them away from theories to practicals, so emphasis is on experience in practicals.”
Ochuba urged Secondary School Principals, Head Teachers, Science Teachers, and Students to register for the competition at www.scienceteacherschampionship.com, adding that registration and participation are free.
“The promoters of the Science Teachers Championship (STC) will reward Monthly Best Biology, Chemistry and Physics teachers with CASH prizes of #50,000 per teacher, while Monthly Best Science Students will receive #20,000 per student. Teachers who upload Science experiments on the platform will earn ₦1,000 per experiment, credited directly to their e-wallet or bank accounts.
“The relevance, social impact and effectiveness of the Science Teachers Championship will be better appreciated by Abia State Government and the general public at the end of February 2025 when the first set of winners across the State will emerge.
“At the comfort of your homes and offices through your mobile phones and laptops, everyone is seamlessly connected to the classroom activities and engagements of Science Teachers and students in the state. This engagement is fun in itself,” Ochuba added.
The event, which featured a question-and-answer session, was graced by dignitaries including the representative of the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Special Adviser on Basic Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Uchechukwu Kalu; and other key Education Stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Assppaa-Isbors Platforms Limited, promoters of the Science Teachers Championship (STC), has extended their heartfelt appreciation to esteemed dignitaries, stakeholders, and the media for their participation in the successful kickoff and unveiling of the Science Teachers Championship in Abia State.
The company was particularly grateful to the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti; and Rev. Dr. Caleb Ajagba, who was ably represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu.
The firm also expressed special thanks to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu, for his prompt financial support, which contributed significantly to the event’s success.
It further extended its appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Uchechukwu Kalu.
“His commitment to ensuring the success of the project in Abia State is deeply valued. We also commend Deaconess Hope Nwosu, Director of the Science, Technical, and Vocational Education Department, for her insightful presentation addressing the challenges faced by classroom science teachers.
“We recognize the efforts of the Executive Secretary of the Secondary Education Management Board, the Chairman of the Abia State chapter of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Chairman of the Abia State chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).
“Their presence, along with that of numerous principals and science teachers from selected secondary schools, added immense value to the event.
“A special note of appreciation is directed to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chief Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, for deploying the government house press team to cover the occasion. The participation of traditional, print, electronic, and new media outlets was instrumental in ensuring the visibility and impact of the Science Teachers Championship,” Assppaa-Isbors Platforms Limited noted in the Appreciation message signed by Mr. Patrick Ochuba.
“The STC unveiling event served as a convergence of key decision-makers and education stakeholders. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this historic event a reality. Your unwavering support is instrumental in transforming the landscape of science education in Abia State,” the company concluded.
