Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has charged secondary school students to adopt a growth mindset and believe they can develop their intelligence through effort, learning, and persistence.
The Deputy Governor gave the charge on Tuesday at a programme tagged” “A Day with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Hamzat,” and launch of a Mentorship Programme for Students in Secondary, themed: ‘Innovate – EkoSTEAM Mentorship Series’ organised by the Lagos State Government. The programme aimed at empowering secondary school students to explore the endless possibilities within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), held at the Ikeja Senior High School, Ikeja.
Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, urged students to cultivate an innovative mindset, emphasising that the future of STEAM relies heavily on the ability to adapt, think critically, and embrace cutting-edge technology.
According to Hamzat, “Innovation begins with curiosity. I encourage you, our attendees to question the status quo and take bold steps towards generating novel solutions to contemporary challenges,” assuring the students of the Lagos state government’s continuous commitment and support for their development and growth which will enable them to thrive in today’s world of technology.
Speaking further, he noted that advancements in technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (Al) have the potential to enhance capabilities across every STEAM discipline, stressing that Art is no longer confined to traditional mediums; it is being redefined through the pixels of digital artwork, the algorithms of generative design, and even through virtual reality experiences.
The Deputy Governor added that Science and Engineering are leveraging Al to solve complex problems, while mathematics provides the language through which these innovations can be quantified and improved.
Accordingly, the transformation power of Al is already revolutionising industries, ranging from healthcare to agriculture, to education, among other notable sectors.
“In healthcare, Al algorithms are analyzing medical images with a level of accuracy that rivals experienced radiologists. In agriculture, smart sensors and machine learning systems are optimising irrigation and crop management, creating sustainable farming solutions. In education, Al-driven platforms are personalising learning experiences, adapting to the needs of individual students, and making knowledge more accessible than ever before,” Hamzat concluded.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Basic and Secondary Education, Eniola Opeyemi emphasised the significance of thorough research, adding that the State Government’s investment in
education is helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators.
Articulating the importance of creating supportive ecosystems that encourage exploration and experimentation in STEM fields, the SSA underscored that a collaborative approach among educators, students, and policymakers is essential for fostering innovation.
He added, “The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that both the students and teachers have the best support they can get.”
The highlight of the day was a students-centric panel session featuring enthusiastic students engaging in an open dialogue with the Deputy Governor. The discussion delved into pressing issues affecting STEAM education, including the importance of inclusivity, the role of technology in enriching learning experiences, and strategies for fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship in schools.