_Analysing Abono’s Declaration Speech in Education, Day 2_
Recognizing that the global future of work is rooted in science and technology, Kwara State House of Assembly aspirant for Irepodun Constituency, Ahmed Olanrewaju (Abono), has formally made STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) a cornerstone of his 2027 legislative agenda.
As a doctoral candidate and seasoned researcher, Olanrewaju’s policy framework internally dubbed the “Abono Plan” proposes a radical shift toward vocational training and technical literacy within primary and secondary schools across the constituency.
Speaking on the necessity of the initiative during his declaration speech, Olanrewaju emphasized that the 21st-century economy leaves no room for analog learners. He noted that the current educational structure must evolve beyond rote learning to embrace practical, problem-solving skills.
“Our children are competing with their peers not just in Ilorin or Lagos, but in Silicon Valley and Bangalore,” Olanrewaju said adding that the Abono Plan is designed to ensure that by the time an Irepodun student graduates secondary school, they are already proficient in the complexities of the digital age.
The aspirant’s proposed legislative agenda focuses on three critical areas including;
Laboratory Infrastructure by advocating for the refurbishment and equipping of science laboratories in rural schools to move beyond “theory-based” science.
On Teacher Capacity Building, he disclosed Initiating specialized training programs for educators to master modern instructional techniques in coding, basic robotics, and data science.
While on Vocational Integration, Olanrewaju unveil plans to partnering with tech hubs to introduce weekend boot camps and vocational workshops, turning schools into centers for technical innovation.
The “Abono Plan” emphasizes that STEM is not just for future engineers, but a foundational requirement for modern agriculture, healthcare, and trade. By prioritizing technical literacy, Olanrewaju aims to reduce youth unemployment by equipping the next generation with marketable, high-demand skills before they reach the tertiary level.
Stakeholders in the education sector have lauded the proposal, describing it as a timely intervention.
9japarrot reports that with Olanrewaju’s background as a researcher, many believe his “Education 2.0” agenda offers a data-driven approach to solving the developmental gaps in the Irepodun State Constituency.