News
Oando Foundation Equips 300 Rivers Teachers for Hands On STEAM Learning
Oando Foundation, an independent charity established to support the Nigerian government in achieving its Universal Basic Education goals, has recorded significant gains in strengthening science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education in Rivers State following the successful implementation of the pilot phase of the School STEAM Project, an innovative education intervention designed in response to the growing need for stronger foundational science education and the development of critical competencies amongst young learners.
Implemented across 30 public primary schools in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas, the School STEAM Project has reached over 15,000 beneficiaries equipping learners with skills in problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through hands on, experiential learning.
Through a comprehensive approach designed to strengthen both teaching and learning outcomes, the initiative provided 300 educators with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver engaging, hands-on STEAM instruction using the NERDC-approved curriculum, while also establishing a fully equipped Science Innovation Laboratory and distributing STEAM Kits across all participating schools to support experiential learning.
Beyond the classroom, the project connected pupils with STEAM professionals from Oando Plc through a structured mentorship programme and curated excursions that exposed learners to real world applications of STEAM concepts and potential career pathways. A key component of the initiative was the Design Thinking Programme, which empowered pupils to identify challenges within their schools and communities and collaborate on developing innovative, practical solutions.
Speaking at the close-out ceremony, Tonia Uduimoh, Head, Oando Foundation, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to scaling impactful education interventions that bridge learning gaps and expand access to quality learning opportunities for children across Nigeria. She noted: “Expanding access to education is only part of the solution; we must also ensure that every child experiences learning in ways that spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop practical skills. That is the thinking behind the School STEAM Project.
By making science and mathematics more engaging through hands-on learning, we are equipping young learners with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”The culmination of the closeout ceremony saw the School STEAM Project Pitch Competition where participating schools showcased innovative solutions drawing from challenges identified within their schools and communities and presented ideas that demonstrated skills cultivated throughout the project.
At the end of the competition, State Primary School Rumueme, emerged as the overall winner, while State Primary School Elekaiah and State Primary School Rumuokwurusi secured second and third place respectively.
Outstanding educators and Head Teachers who played a pivotal role in advancing STEAM learning within their schools were also recognised and presented with awards for their exceptional commitment and contributions to the successful implementation of the project.
Also commenting, Jadesola Adedeji, Co-Founder and CEO, STEM METS Resources, the project’s implementing partner, said: “The School STEAM Project demonstrates what is possible when innovation, strong partnerships, and practical learning come together. Beyond improving classroom instruction, the project has empowered teachers with the confidence and tools to deliver engaging STEAM education while equipping pupils with the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive. We are proud to partner with Oando Foundation and RSUBEB on an initiative that is creating sustainable impact and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
Also speaking at the event, Samuel Ogeh, Chairman, Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), highlighted the importance of strengthening foundational STEAM education across public schools, saying, “The future depends on raising children who are curious, confident, and equipped to solve problems.
That begins with how they learn at an early age. Through the School STEAM Project, we are helping young learners build a strong foundation in science and mathematics by making learning practical, engaging, and relevant. When children develop critical thinking and curiosity from the start, they are better prepared to seize future opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Launched in 2025 and implemented in partnership with the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), STEM METS and Oando PLC, the School STEAM Project builds on Oando Foundation’s current LEARNOVATE strategy centered around improving foundational learning through innovative approaches and promoting sustainability within educational systems.
A key component,
Learning, focuses on prioritising innovation in education to promote equity and improve learning and skills – targeting in-school children and youth.
This initiative also aligns with global development priorities, recognising the United Nations’ emphasis on improving access to quality education and fostering innovation particularly through SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Eleven outstanding poetry collections are now in the race for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, arguably Africa’s biggest and most prestigious literary prize.
The 11 collections were selected from a total of 223 entries received for this year’s competition.
Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who announced the longlist, said the emergence of the 11 collections marks a significant milestone in this year’s competition and reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary Nigerian poetry.
According to her, the longlisted titles, arranged in alphabetical order, are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide; Bakandimiya by Saddiq Dzukogi; Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje; 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase; Ceremony For The Nameless by Theresa Lola; Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku; and Floral’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu.
Other successful entries are, The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan; The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau; Unbind Me Now by James Ugwu Eze; and Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo.
Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo described the announcement as an important stage in the 2026 edition of the prize.
She noted that the collections demonstrate the remarkable capacity of poetry to illuminate human experience through thoughtful reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.
According to her, the works revisit history while interrogating dominant historical narratives and exposing the forces that shape collective identities and social relations.
She stated that despite their varied emphases, the books share a commitment to exploring the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression and social fragmentation.
On style and language, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said the books display an impressive diversity of poetic techniques marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation.
“Many employ densely poetic, allegorical, and elegiac modes that invite multiple layers of interpretation, while others draw extensively on folklore, oral traditions, and contemporary realities to create a compelling fusion of past and present. Their language is generally fluid, evocative, and aesthetically refined, relying on vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and intellectual sophistication to communicate complex ideas. These works demonstrate how poetic language can illuminate social realities; challenge established perspectives and give voice to both individual and collective experiences.
“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” she stated.
The Board chairman commended the judges for their painstaking work and reaffirmed the Advisory Board’s commitment to a credible process, literary excellence and the promotion of a strong reading culture.
With the announcement of the 11-title longlist, the competition now moves to the next phase, with a shortlist of three expected in August and the winner to be announced in October.
Sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), The Nigeria Prize for Literature carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
Now in its 22nd year, the prize rotates annually across four genres – prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature – with the 2026 edition devoted to poetry.
The Rivers State Government has applauded the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, for its steadfast dedication to advancing medical excellence and contributing significantly to healthcare development in the state and the country at large.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the NMA held in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, described the association as a vital partner in the quest to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Wokoma, according to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit in his office, Julian Masi, noted that the NMA’s sustained advocacy for professional standards and quality medical practice has continued to impact positively on the healthcare sector and national development.
He said the conference theme, “Medical Practice in Nigeria: The Past, the Present and Quo Vadis,” offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to evaluate the progress made in the health sector, examine present realities, and develop practical solutions for future challenges.
He paid tribute to Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to service despite the challenges confronting the sector.
“We deeply appreciate the immense sacrifices made daily by Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals. In the face of numerous challenges, they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism, dedication and commitment to saving lives. Their contributions remain critical to national development,” he said.
In her keynote address, the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Prof. Adaeze C. Oreh, called on participants to critically examine the current state of medical practice in Nigeria and explore innovative approaches that will address emerging healthcare challenges in line with the conference theme.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Annabel Ureh Oparaodu, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his continued support for the medical profession in Rivers State.
She urged delegates to maximize the opportunities provided by the conference through active engagement and knowledge sharing.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the Nigerian Medical Association Doctors’ Lodge and the NMA Water Factory, initiatives designed to improve members’ welfare and promote sustainability within the association.
The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the commencement of a nationwide digital registration of births and deaths in Rivers State under the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, E-CRVS, System, using the new VitalReg platform.
Federal Commissioner, NPC, Rivers State, Prof. Itotenaan Henry Ogiri, announced said this recently during a press briefing in his Port Harcourt office.
Ogiri said the full digital registration of births and deaths took effect nationwide on July 1, 2026, and is now being implemented across Rivers’ 23 Local Government Areas as part of the Commission’s rollout in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a modern, technology-driven civil registration system,
“It reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every birth and every death occurring in our country is accurately captured through a secure, efficient and digitally enabled platform,” he said.
The Federal Commissioner noted that while Nigeria records an estimated five million births annually, coverage remains low.
“Birth registration currently stands at about 57%, while death registration is below 20% nationwide.
“These gaps underscore the urgent need for a more efficient and accessible registration system,” he stated.
To address this, he said the commission has established 4,011 functional registration centres across the 774 LGAs, with plans to expand to about 8,000 centres nationwide.
According to him, in Rivers State, structures have been put in place and personnel are working with health facilities, LGAs and community stakeholders to ensure accessibility.
Ogiri explained that the VitalReg platform offers faster registration, 24-hour access, automated data validation for accuracy, reduced paperwork and waiting time, enhanced record security, and a stronger national database to support other government information systems.
He added that the platform would integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s national digital identity framework, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve coordination and service delivery.
“The initiative builds on the launch of the E-CRVS System and the inauguration of the National Coordination Committee on CRVS by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 8, 2023.
“It also aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on digital transformation and transparency,” he said.
The NPC Commissioner stressed that success depends on partnerships and public participation and listed key collaborators as ALGON, NIMC, UNICEF and Barnksforte Technologies Limited.
“In Rivers State, we will continue to work closely with the State Government, Local Government Councils, healthcare providers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to ensure that no child or family is left behind,” he said.
The commissioner called on parents, guardians, healthcare workers and community leaders to ensure prompt registration of every birth and death, noting that a complete civil registration system strengthens governance and supports sustainable development.
He reassured the public that birth registration and birth notification services remain highly subsidised, though specialised administrative services such as record modification, certificate reissuance, attestations and verification will attract approved charges to support system sustainability.
Ogiri appreciated the Rivers State Government for its support, and commended NPC staff in the State, as well as development partners, LGAs, healthcare institutions, traditional and religious leaders for advancing civil registration in the state.
He also urged the media to continue to amplify the message “that every birth counts, every death matters and every Nigerian deserves a legal identity.”
“As we commence this new chapter, let us all work together to build a civil registration system that is modern, inclusive and trusted by all,” Ogiri concluded.