Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has urged science students across the state’s secondary schools to explore the broad field of sciences through curiosity.
He stressed that as “innovation begins with curiosity,” it is important for science students to embrace curiosity in sharpening their minds while studying the sciences.
Dr. Hamzat, who is an accomplished engineer, spoke during the launch of a mentorship programme for secondary school students, with the theme: Innovate – Eko STEAM Mentorship Series.
The event aimed to empower students to explore the endless possibilities within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
As part of the programme, the deputy governor had an engagement with the students, called: “A Day With the Deputy Governor of Lagos State.”
Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, urged the students to cultivate an innovative mindset, emphasising that the future of STEAM relies heavily on the ability to adapt, think critically, and embrace cutting-edge technology.
He said: “Advancements in technology, especially AI, have the potential to enhance our capabilities across every STEAM discipline. Art is no longer confined to traditional mediums; it is being redefined through the pixels of digital artwork, the algorithms of generative design, and even through virtual reality experiences.
“Science and engineering are leveraging AI to solve complex problems, while mathematics provides the language through which these innovations can be quantified and improved.
“Transformation power of AI is already revolutionising industries. In healthcare, AI algorithms are analyzing medical images with a level of accuracy that rivals experienced radiologists.
“In agriculture, smart sensors and machine learning systems are optimising irrigation and crop management, creating sustainable farming solutions. In education, AI-driven platforms are personalizing learning experiences, adapting to the needs of individual students, and making knowledge more accessible than ever before.”
Dr. Hamzat advised the students to “adopt a growth mindset — a belief that you can develop your intelligence through effort, learning, and persistence”.
