The Director of the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre (ESDC) as well as ARUA Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Sunday Abayomi Adebisi has stressed the need for the promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) rather than STEM (Science, technology, Engineering & Mathematics) to make Science students critical in their thinking and Arts students scientific in their thinking.
Prof. Adebisi, who is also the University’s 1st Occupier Professor of the Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jnr) Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurship Studies, made the call on Thursday, July 13, 2023 while delivering the 6th Public Lecture of Corona College of Education, Lagos.
Virtually delivering the paper titled “Creativity and Innovation in Nigerian Education: Equipping Students for Evolving Future”, Professor Adebisi also called for the deliberate promotion of innovation, creation of conducive learning environment, encouragement of enterprise creation and development of imaginations to spark up inspiration among youths.
According to the ESDC Director, “there are steps to be taken to equip students for evolving future. This includes complete overhaul of the tertiary education curriculum that is 360 degree curricula review; domiciliation of digital and soft skills (DSS) in higher education institutions; promotion of entrepreneurship centre; and creation of campus start up support fund among others.”
Prof. Adebisi who had earlier in his presentation traced the history of Nigeria’s education system, along with current realities, stressed the importance of quality education as a great illumination that identifies opportunities, connects opportunities of wealth, and activates knowledge economy.
He identified the pillars of change to re-design Nigeria’s education for evolving future to include: faculty members; students; parents; stakeholders; institution managers; governing councils and government and regulators.
The Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre (ESDC), UNILAG supports and promotes the entrepreneurial spirit of students, staff, alumni and other members of the society to set up profitable business ventures.
Professor Sunday Adebisi who is a Professor of Entrepreneurship Hub and Strategic Management has served as ESDC Director in the last five years. His specializations include: Sustainable Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship Innovation, Competitive and Comparative Strategy, International Business, and developing insight into Forensic Strategic Management.
