An Educationist, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, has tasked the three tiers of governments to adequately fund education through good policies, specifically targeted at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
An Educationist, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, has tasked the three tiers of governments to adequately fund education through good policies, specifically targeted at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
She said doing this would not only improve the quality of human resources the nation has but that it will also solve the challenges of unemployment and unemployable graduates in Nigeria.
Data Analytics entails the systematic examination of extensive datasets to unveil patterns, correlations, and valuable insights that guide decision-making and fuel enhancements. Within higher education institutions, data analytics encompasses the comprehensive collection and scrutiny of diverse data types pivotal for comprehending both student achievements and institutional efficacy. The importance of data analytics in higher education stems from its capacity to offer decision-makers evidence-based insights. Through data analysis, institutions can pinpoint trends, patterns, and potential hurdles that influence student success. Armed with this information, they can craft proactive strategies, execute precise interventions, and enhance student outcomes at every stage of their academic journey.
Akere, who is the Director of Jsay Prevarsity, stated this during the Career Day celebration entitled: ‘‘Empowering Future Innovators: The Vital Role of STEM in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace. organised by Jsay Prevarsity in Ibadan.Empowering Future Innovators: The Vital Role of STEM in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace’ organised by Jsay Prevarsity in Ibadan, Oyo State.
She said it was imperative of the government and policymakers, to provide the necessary infrastructure, funding and policies to promote STEM education in Nigeria.
According to her, as Nigerians embrace the opportunities of the 21st century, it is clear that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are not just areas of study but the foundation upon which the future is being built.
Akere said that the nature of work in the next few years would drastically change, and involvement of technology would be at a faster pace than ever before.
She said the future workplace would demand skills that are based on critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.
Data analytics in higher education has many advantages that directly contribute students success. To begin with, data analytics empowers institutions to spot students at risk and deliver timely interventions. Through the examination of diverse data sources, educational organizations can uncover early indicators of students who might be prone to dropping out or facing academic challenges. Predictive models can be harnessed to initiate precise interventions, such as tailored advising or tutoring initiatives, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to surmount obstacles and excel academically. Data analytics also play a pivotal role in shaping personalized learning experiences. Utilizing the knowledge extracted from data analytics, educational institutions can gain a deep understanding of students’ learning preferences, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Armed with this insight, educators can fine-tune their teaching methods, suggest pertinent learning resources, and craft individualized learning trajectories. This personalized approach ensures that students enjoy a tailored educational journey that caters to their specific requirements and maximizes their learning achievements. Data analytics also assumes a pivotal role in guiding data-driven institutional decision-making. It furnishes institutions with invaluable insights crucial for strategic planning and judicious resource allocation. Through data analysis, institutions gain the ability to make informed choices regarding the efficient distribution of resources, pinpointing areas where investments can yield the most substantial enhancements in student success. Additionally, data analytics facilitates ongoing monitoring and assessment of institutional effectiveness. By scrutinizing key performance indicators, institutions can gauge their advancement, spot domains requiring refinement, and enact data-informed adaptations to optimize their overall operations.
“The World Economic Forum predicts that more than 65% of children entering primary school today will end up in jobs that don’t even exist yet. The world is changing, and so must we,” she said.
Akere said that awareness must be created for students to know and take advantage of the broad range of career opportunities in STEM.
She emphasised that STEM wasn’t just about being a doctor or an engineer but there are countless emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, and environmental engineering.
Akere called on schools and parents to expose students to opportunities in STEM education early enough for them to develop interest and confidence in pursuing STEM careers.
“Parents, school have a critical role to play in shaping career choices for students to fully understand the evolving job market and the importance of STEM.
“I urge you to take a closer look at the future job market. The traditional career paths we are used to may not be the ones that provide security in the future,” she said.
Akere urged schools not to just equip students with the knowledge but also the hands-on experience they need to succeed in those fields.
She called on students not to be afraid to explore and experiment with technology, science, and mathematics. “Learn about the world of coding, robotics, environmental science, build your knowledge and as well learn how to collaborate, communicate, and solve real-world problems.
“These are the skills that will make you indispensable in the workplace of tomorrow,” she said.
She said Jsay Prevarsity, has the vision to equip students for success in tertiary education and to ensure their global relevance, and it remained dedicated to helping students realize their full potential in the STEM field.