Stakeholders Recommend Skills and Technological Empowerment for Children

Stakeholders in Abuja have advised schools to empower children with skills and build their capacity on digital technology and innovations.

In the Lugbe area of Abuja’s Municipal Area Council of the FCT, the Our Unique Children Model Academy, held its Science and Arts exhibition/ Graduation Ceremony.

Tagged “Our Unique Science and Arts Exhibition, the event featured several scientific innovations and artistic displays.

In her address, seasoned educationist and proprietress of the school, Mrs. Gladys Ekwueme Okoro, said to raise trailblazers in different spheres of life, there should be sustained efforts in giving children relevant orientation and education in skills early in life.

“All the activities we have had today from the procession, speeches by graduands, martial arts display and science exhibitions of volcanic eruptions, the human body, skeletal system and much more is evident that with good orientation and nurturing, children can achieve much more than what adults can imagine. The children sure did well by getting their lines and pictures.”

Also speaking on the need to encourage science and technology in the Nigerian curriculum, to enable Nigerian kids catch up with the realities of the knowledge-driven twenty-first century, Mrs. Okoro said that “many schools shy away from science because of the cost implications. It is really expensive going into Science Based Courses. Whether we as schools shy away from it because of the cost implications or because the commitment and dedication is not there; technology and Artificial Intelligence is the way to go now. The world is a global village; almost everything humans do or can achieve today is with the help of technology. To embrace science and technology, efforts have to be made. It is not just theory, students must see, they must touch and experiment.”

The PTA chairman of the school, Mr. Francis Iweze, in his remark said children are the architects of many destinies in the future, hence the need to nurture them right and appreciate them.

“Today is a memorable day, a day when we witness the combination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As we are gathered here, we not only celebrate the academic achievements of our students, but also recognize the potentials they hold to shape the future.” 

Giving the Valedictory Speech, four years old Iwok Ake-Abasi Kingsley said: “As we prepare to enter the next phase of our education, let us remember the valuable lessons we learned during our time…we learned the importance of kindness, sharing and respecting one another. We discovered the joy of exploration and the thrill of learning something new. These lessons will serve as the foundation for our future growth and success.”

Communication/ Media expert, Miss Muna Okoro added that there are no dreams too large, no innovation unimaginable and no frontiers beyond the reach of any child that is well nurtured.

In a closing remark, the head prefect of the school, Prince Divine Chionye thanked all present and called on all students to focus on lessons they have learnt, so that they will stand out as trailblazers in the future.

Highlights of the event included; exhibition of some causes of volcanic eruptions and its effects on the environment; recreation of scraps to produce teaching and learning apparatuses; the Unique Fashion Parade; students showcasing their innovative skills in Music, Dance, Art, public speaking, Cooking and Designing and awards of scholarships and cash prizes to outstanding staff and students of the school.