Lagos deputy gov urges students to embrace growth mindset for innovation

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has charged secondary school students to adopt a growth mindset and believe they can develop their intelligence through effort, learning, and persistence.

The deputy governor gave the charge on at a programme, tagged: “A Day with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Dr. Kadri Hamzat,” and launch of a Mentorship Programme for Students in Secondary, themed: “Innovate – EkoSTEAM Mentorship Series,” organized by the Lagos State Government.

The programme, which held at the Ikeja Senior High School, Ikeja, is aimed at empowering secondary school students to explore the endless possibilities within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

Hamzat, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, urged students to cultivate an innovative mindset, emphasizing that the future of STEAM relies heavily on the ability to adapt, think critically, and embrace cutting-edge technology.

“Innovation begins with curiosity. I encourage you, our attendees to question the status quo and take bold steps towards generating novel solutions to contemporary challenges,” hr said .

The deputy governor assured the students of the Lagos State government’s continuous commitment and support for their development and growth which would enable them to thrive in today’s world of technology.

Speaking further, Hamzat noted that advancements in technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) had the potential to enhance capabilities across every STEAM discipline, stressing that Art was no longer confined to traditional mediums.

According to him, it is being redefined through the pixels of digital artwork, the algorithms of generative design, and even through virtual reality experiences, adding that Science and Engineering are leveraging AI to solve complex problems, while mathematics provides the language through which these innovations can be quantified and improved.

The deputy governor asserted that the transformation power of AI was already revolutionizing industries, ranging from healthcare to agriculture, to education, among other notable sectors, noting that 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 optimizing 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,” the deputy governor said.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Basic and Secondary Education, Eniola Opeyemi, earlier in his opening remarks, emphasized the significance of thorough research, saying that the state government’s investment in education was helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators.

Opeyemi, while articulating the importance of creating supportive ecosystems that encourage exploration and experimentation in STEM fields, posited that a collaborative approach among educators, students, and policymakers was essential for fostering innovation.

The highlight of the day was a students’ – centric panel session featuring enthusiastic students engaging in an open dialogue with the deputy governor.

The discussion delved into pressing issues affecting STEAM education, including the importance of inclusivity, the role of technology in enriching learning experiences, and strategies for fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship in schools.

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