NATIONAL STEM EDUCATION POLICY

What Is This Policy?

The National STEM Education Policy is Nigeria's framework for transforming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching and learning across all levels of education. It responds to the twin challenges of low STEM enrolment and poor student performance in STEM subjects, which limit Nigeria's ability to develop domestic technology, innovate, and industrialise.

Who Does It Target?

Students from basic education through tertiary level, with particular focus on closing the gender gap in STEM subjects Teachers of science, mathematics, computer science, and technology across all school types Curriculum developers and examination bodies: NERDC, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NUC Private sector technology companies who rely on STEM graduates and can co-invest in STEM education

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Increase STEM enrolment at secondary and tertiary levels from below 30% to above 60% of eligible students Close the STEM gender gap: currently fewer than 35% of STEM university graduates in Nigeria are women Improve WAEC performance in core science and mathematics from below 40% pass rates toward 60% by 2025 Equip Nigerian graduates with the practical STEM skills needed for the digital economy, manufacturing, and advanced services

Key Features

Hands-On Learning: Policy mandates functional science laboratories, digital tools, and practical project-based learning in all secondary schools, replacing rote-only approaches STEM Teacher Specialisation: Dedicated STEM teacher training and CPD pathways; improved salary and allowance structures for specialist science and mathematics teachers Girls in STEM Programme: Dedicated scholarships, mentoring networks, and school-based campaigns to encourage female participation in science and technology fields Industry-School Partnership: Private technology firms co-sponsor STEM labs, coding clubs, and robotics competitions in schools as part of corporate social responsibility commitments STEM Olympiad and Competition: National Science Olympiad and Mathematics Competition serve as talent identification and motivation mechanisms at secondary level Digital STEM Resources: NERDC-developed online learning resources in science and mathematics available through the e-learning platform at nerdc.edu.ng

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; the Renewed Hope Agenda 2023 elevated STEM as a national priority, funding new labs and scholarships Implementing Body: Federal Ministry of Education; NERDC; Science and Technology Education Post-Basic (STEPB) Coverage: National; priority to underfunded public secondary schools in rural and Northern states with the weakest STEM outcomes Funding: FME STEM budget, TETFund STEM research grants, private sector STEM partnerships, USAID and World Bank technical assistance

How to Access

Students: Access free STEM learning resources through NERDC's e-learning platform; apply for Girls in STEM scholarships at education.gov.ng Schools: Request STEM lab equipment and curriculum materials from the State Ministry of Education or STEPB Technology Companies: Partner with FME's STEM Directorate to co-fund labs, mentoring programmes, or teacher training as part of your corporate STEM investment Contact: Federal Ministry of Education STEM Directorate: education.gov.ng | NERDC: nerdc.edu.ng

Official Resources

Website: education.gov.ng | nerdc.edu.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Education, Block 5A Federal Secretariat, Shehu Shagari Way, Garki, Abuja Policy Summary | Source: FME, NERDC, NUC, UNESCO Science Report, World Bank STEM Africa, Renewed Hope Agenda 2023 | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National STEM Education Policy operates under the National Policy on Education (6th Edition), the National Board for Technical Education Act, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act 2011. It aligns with the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, the Science and Technology Act, and Nigeria's obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 — Quality Education, SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). The ITU and UNESCO joint STEM guidelines provide international standards.