By Faith Nwaubani
In a significant step towards promoting scientific knowledge and raw materials resource utilization, the Bayelsa State Government through the State Ministry of Education has embraced the RMRDC schools’ clubs’ program by approving the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to establish RMRDC school Clubs in ten secondary schools across the state. The schools include the following which form the pilot program in the state: Bishop Dameri Grammer School Yenagoa, St. Judes. Girls. Secondary School Yenagoa, Community Secondary School Zarama, Government Secondary School Igbogene, Community Secondary School Kpansia, Community Secondary School Okutukutu/Etegwe, Matade High School Imiringi, Ijaw National Academy Kalama, Sampou Grammar School, Sampou, and Community Secondary School Otuokpoti.
This strategic partnership aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists and innovators who will build skills and entrepreneurship on local resources thereby, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development through the optimal utilization of its abundant natural resources.
According to the RMRDC Bayelsa State Co-Ordinator Mr. Ikona Ibor who maintained that the Raw Materials Research Clubs will provide students with hands-on experience in exploring and analyzing the nation’s rich raw material resources, such as crude oil, natural gas, timber, fish, agricultural products, and other mineral resources. “This will be achieved through excursions, seminars, and quiz competitions. Through this, students will develop critical thinking on raw materials resources base skills and innovations geared towards capacity building and entrepreneurship in the long run”, he said.
The RMRDC will provide necessary training and technical support to those who will be club master teachers in their respective schools to ensure the successful implementation of the school clubs program. Additionally, the Council will organize competitions, workshops, and mentorship programs to inspire and challenge students.
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In approving the pilot program, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Simon Peter Okene said with the RMRDC school club program coming into focus in the schools’ extra-curricular activities, a new culture will be developed by the students who are the future leaders; the culture of knowledge for raw materials resources and how best to use them for their advantage and the good of the state at large.
The Permanent Secretary went further to say that the initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of giving the young ones a broad base of knowledge that will sharpen their entrepreneurship skills in raw materials sourcing and utilization. He promised that the Ministry would always do everything possible to ensure the smooth running of the RMRDC clubs in the schools to bring its maximum benefits to the state.
The program is planned to kick off in September 2024 when the School academic session starts.
In his remark, the Director of Secondary Schools in the Ministry, Mr. Akuna Oweilayefa stated that this partnership between the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education and RMRDC marks a significant milestone in the two Agencies of government relationship and it is a welcome development.
