The Federal Executive Council has approved the printing of 1 million science textbooks to be distributed to public secondary schools across Nigeria. This initiative aims to address deficiencies in critical subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced the program following a memo presented by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on behalf of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Nigeria’s capacity in science and technology, helping the country align with global standards in engineering and technological development.
The textbooks will be distributed to 774 local government areas, 104 unity schools, and 122 special schools. In addition to the textbooks, the PTDF plans to establish both digital and physical libraries in approximately 1,000 secondary schools nationwide.
Ekpo explained, “We brought a memo on behalf of the PTDF that initiated a program called the PTDF STEM Fund. This program aims to build capacity among Nigerians in the oil and gas industry and to enhance education in the science and technology sectors.”
He emphasized the importance of laying a solid educational foundation at the secondary school level to ensure that Nigeria can compete globally. The initiative reflects a recognition of past deficiencies in these subjects and seeks to provide comprehensive support for secondary education.
Lokpobiri added, “This program is meant to print 1 million science textbooks and distribute them to all local governments, unity schools, and special schools. The council has approved this memo as part of our efforts to strengthen educational resources in Nigeria and foster technological and engineering development.”
