“Nigeria Must Move Beyond Memorisation” — Education Aide Pushes STEMM-Driven Learning Reform

The Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Science (STEMM), Adeola Salau, has called for a major transformation of Nigeria’s education system, saying effective implementation of STEMM-focused learning could revolutionise the sector.

Speaking during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Bunmi Adedayo Foundation in Lagos, Salau stressed the need to shift classroom learning from rote memorisation to practical, problem-solving education.

According to her, the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Office of STEMM, plans to promote a more interactive learning system where teachers facilitate learning while students actively experiment and explore concepts.

“A mathematics class should be an exploratory session, not one that students dread. Science lessons should focus on thinking, experimenting, problem-solving and iterating solutions endlessly,” she said.

Salau noted that Nigeria’s current educational structure still prioritises memorisation over understanding and creativity, a trend she believes must change if students are to remain competitive in the future global economy.

“It is time to change our educational system which still rewards memorisation over understanding, routine over curiosity, and conformity over creativity,” she added.

The education adviser explained that STEMM education has become increasingly important as future generations will face more complex global challenges that require innovation, adaptability and critical thinking rather than basic theoretical knowledge.

She also commended the Bunmi Adedayo Foundation for its decade-long contribution to educational development and called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to improve implementation of education reforms.

According to Salau, sustainable transformation in education can only happen through stronger alignment between policy, classrooms, industry and innovation.

She further praised teachers for their commitment to shaping young minds but stressed the need to equip them with modern teaching skills, practical STEMM tools and improved learning resources to make science and technology education more engaging for students.