In furtherance of its drive towards promoting national cohesion, the Federal Ministry of Education has organized the maiden edition of Panegyric Competition among the secondary schools’ students nationwide at Abuja.
Delivering his keynote address during the opening session of the competition, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the art of panegyric competition was organized to promote cultural values and fosters national unity, peace, creativity, eloquence, and a healthy competition among students across Nigeria.
The minister, who was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, pointed out that in the 21st century, innovation and progress were being driven by the pillars of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
Alausa maintained that STEAM remained crucial in modern education in view of its equipping the youths with the skills to tackle global challenges, from climate change to health crisis, adding that integrating Arts into STEAM will foster creativity, turning discoveries into transformative innovations.
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While noting that the Arts in (STEAM) has not been given much attention, the minister pointed out that organising the Panegyric competition was a way of exposing youths to the beauty of Arts, and urged the competitors “to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Also remember the fusion of knowledge and creativity reflects the power to change the world.”
He commended the organisers of the event and the participating secondary schools for their enthusiasm and talent and described it as a testament to efforts aimed at creating a brighter future for Nigeria.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, said that the competition celebrated eloquence and the art of rhetoric, “but also to promote a culture of scientific inquiry and technological advancement with a share vision of Innovation, critical thinking, and inspired expression among the youth.”
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, said: “Education is the cornerstone of progress and development in any society. And event event like this serves as a testament to the importance of fostering a historic approach to learning.
“We often emphasized the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education. It is equally imperative to recognise and appreciate the role of arts and creativity in shapping our cultural landscape and driving societal change”, Sani-Gwarzo stressed.
In the competition, which featured three schools, Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State clinched the first position, while St. Monica’s Girl’s Grammar School came second; and Federal Government Secondary School (GSS) Gombe emerged the 3rd winner.
A consolation prize of N50,000 each was given to other participants
