By Able Winnard
The First Lady of Cross River State Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has assured young people in the State especially girls that no one will be left behind in science, technology engineering, and mathematics.
Mrs. Bassey stated this at the official launch of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project in collaboration with Guru Innovation Hub held at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu’s STEM Girls project is centered on training students from various secondary and high institutions in Science, Technology, Engineering as well as in Mathematics. It is also geared towards educating them in coding, gaming, robotics, and fireside.
The Governor’s wife, represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, expressed a deep commitment to empowering girls and leveraging the transformative power of STEM education.
He applauded the collaborative efforts of Guru Innovation Hub and other partners in making the project a reality, hailing their dedication and collective vision for a brighter future.
His words: “In today’s rapidly changing world, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, collectively known as STEM have become the driving forces of progress. These fields hold the keys to innovation, development, and prosperity. It is our responsibility to ensure that our young people are not left behind but are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in STEM.”
The Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS Professor Augustine Angba, represented by the DVC Administration, Prof. Ekeng Ekefre, while applauding the initiative opined it is the best he has seen organized for girls so far and pleaded that females in the rural areas be carried along in the scheme of things.
The founder of the Guru Innovation Hub Mr. Oyo Effiom noted that the “Girls in STEM Project is a bold commitment towards building a stronger ecosystem for young girls in Cross River State that wants to advance into careers in technology.”
The project is expected to span for five weeks to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless girls in Cross River State, creating a ripple effect that will extend far beyond the boundaries of education.
Attendees at the event include the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Chairman of Internal Revenue Service Mr. Edwin Okon, and a host of other dignitaries.
Highlights of the event were project presentations, poems, and song renditions by beneficiaries.