Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, has urged Nigerian universities to empower and equip students with science innovations and technology, to address global challenges.

Lafiaji-Okuneye said this at an international conference of the College of Science Education, LASUED, on Tuesday in Lagos. The theme of the conference is: “Re- Contextualising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education (STEME) for Sustainable Global Development”.

According to her, educational institutions can empower students to become agents of change by equipping them to contribute to sustainable development. “Innovation and technology is a veritable tool through which STEME disciplines can restructure the world, to effectively halt poverty. “For instance with STEME, students can be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solution, to address poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities.

“Students in engineering programmes can design sustainable infrastructure projects, to improve access to basic services in low-income communities. “While students in technology programme can develop digital solutions to enhance financial inclusion and access to information,” Lafiaji-Okuneye said.

She added that by integrating sustainability principles into STEME curricula, students could learn how to develop renewable energy technologies and design eco-friendly buildings. “These efforts do not only contribute to environmental conservation but they also create green jobs and economic opportunities that could lift people out of poverty,” Lafiaji Okuneye said.