Hillside School Abuja Hosts Annual STEM Programme

The Hillside School Abuja has hosted its annual STEM programme, themed “STEM Education: A Tool for Inspiring Creativity and Technological Advancement.” The programme was organised by The Hillside School in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), UNESCO’s Associated School Network, and the British Council.

Category A rated the Inter-school Science Presentation on the topic: Genetically Modified Organisms. Has science gone too far? Aduvie International School won the category.

The final results of Category B (Science Project Exhibition) were announced yesterday. The Hillside School secured the top spot with its outstanding science project exhibition.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ben Dike, a biology teacher at Hillside School, emphasised the importance of STEM education in fostering innovation and national development.

He said, “The goal of STEM Week is to create awareness among both science and non-science students, highlighting the critical role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in our lives,” he stated. He added that while other disciplines are vital, STEM fields drive technological advancements that are essential for progress.

Mr Dike noted that the STEM Week competition, now in its second edition, has grown in scope and impact. He hoped future editions would be even more robust, inclusive, and engaging.

Insights on GMO Technology: a significant highlight of the event was a session on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their role in agriculture, led by Dr Rose Gidado, director of Agricultural Biotechnology (NABDA).

Dr Gidado described GMOs as a revolutionary tool for boosting agricultural productivity in Nigeria. “GMOs are game-changers, offering disease-resistant crops, increased yields, and tolerance to harsh environmental conditions,” she explained.

According to her, using examples like cotton and maize, she illustrated the significant yield improvements made possible by GMO technology. “Farmers using GMO maize can achieve 9-10 tons per hectare compared to just 1.5-2 tons with traditional varieties,” she said.

Dr Gidado highlighted the broader economic benefits of GMO adoption, including reducing Nigeria’s reliance on food imports, enhancing GDP, and transforming farmers’ livelihoods.

The event underscored the potential of STEM education and modern biotechnology to address Nigeria’s agricultural and technological challenges. With continued efforts to engage students and experts, initiatives like STEM Week are poised to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.