The member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Farah Dagogo on has told the Reps Committee on Tertiary Education and Services that the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Tombia is a specialized school that will make graduates of the school think outside the box.
He spoke at a well attended public hearing on Thursday
Dagogo, who is the sponsor of the bill, “STEAM Federal Polytechnic, Tombia Bonny”, in Rivers, which acronym stands for “Science, Technical, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics”, said, the bill was a product of a well researched educational field that would refocus the younger generation into critical thinking like products of such tertiary institutions in other climes.
He said products of the Polytechnic will be self-reliant based on the technical and professional training they would have acquired.
“This Bill to me, is one of the tonics that would further stimulate scholarship, and galvanize graduands of our Higher Institutions of learning to become self reliant, due to its core aim, which is predicated on STEAM education model.
“STEAM is the acronym for Science, Technical, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. STEAM learning therefore, fosters critical thinking and allows our young generation to begin thinking outside the box. Critical thought gives them better problem-solving skills that can carry them through life,” he stated.
He said the Polytechnic as one of the first in the South South region, will not only transfer skills, but the only that would concentrate on STEAM education model.
“It also creates transferable skills, including creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and confidence. The Federal Polytechnic Tombia , which this Bill intends to midwife, is the first in the annals of this great country to be so directed on STEAM education model,” he noted.
According to him, most tertiary institutions are concentrated in Port Harcourt and its environs, hence the siting of the proposed Polytechnic in Tombia Bonny was not being contested by any interested party.
“Before the creation of Bayelsa State out of Rivers State, the acronym PABOD which stands for Port Harcourt, Ahoada, Brass, Ogoni and Degema divisions existed,” he added.