By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
In its efforts to strengthen education and prepare young people in Taraba State for the future, the Taraba State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to free and quality education, digital literacy and skills development.
The Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and Innovation, Hon. Gideon Nonso Mbaso, stated this while declaring open a training programme for 16 educators, representing the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, at the Taraba State Educators’ Training on Space Exploration.
The training was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Jalingo, in collaboration with Space Science, Research, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics (STREAM for the Future).
“We believe that investing in our teachers is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of Taraba State.
“Our children must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“This is why our administration continues to prioritise free and quality education, digital literacy and skills development. We believe that investing in our teachers is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of Taraba State.”
According to him, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are central to the development of every modern society.
He said space science and technology have applications in telecommunications, agriculture, navigation, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring and many other areas of life.
“By training our teachers in these areas, we are empowering them to inspire our children to explore careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics and space science.
“I encourage participants to take full advantage of this opportunity. Learn, ask questions, collaborate and, most importantly, take the knowledge gained here back to your classrooms.
“To our partners and facilitators, I sincerely appreciate your support. Together, we can build an education system that gives every child in Taraba the opportunity to discover their potential and compete confidently in the global community.
“The Taraba we are building is a Taraba where our children are prepared not only to participate in the future but to help shape it,” he said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Muslim Usman Abdullahi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Taraba State Government to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across the state through innovative and practical learning opportunities.
The Commissioner emphasised that teachers play a critical role in preparing young people for the opportunities of the 21st century, urging participants to maximise the training and integrate the knowledge gained into their classrooms.
He said the state government envisions a future where more Taraba youths pursue careers in aerospace engineering, satellite operations, Earth observation, remote sensing, astronomy, space science and other emerging areas of the space economy.
He encouraged the participants to become ambassadors of STEM innovation and space education in their respective schools, noting that the future of aerospace and technological advancement begins with inspired teachers who can spark curiosity in young minds.
The Commissioner appreciated STREAM for the Future and the Limitless Space Institute for their partnership and expertise, expressing optimism that the collaboration would contribute significantly to transforming STEM education across Taraba State.
He urged the educators to actively participate, ask questions, collaborate and make the most of the knowledge shared throughout the training.
Earlier, the facilitator, Maranatha Haa, of the Limitless Space Global Educator Team and STREAM for the Future, said the training was designed to equip teachers from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state with knowledge of space science, which they would subsequently pass on to students in various public schools across the state.
“This programme was brought to the state by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas through the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Muslim Usman Abdullahi, for the benefit of the state.
“After the training, teachers will be equipped with knowledge about space science and will proceed to practical sessions, where they will, in turn, take the knowledge to students.
“For example, they will learn how to use local materials to purify water for drinking,” she stated.