Kefas Backs Expansion of STEAM Summer Camp Across Taraba’s Three Senatorial Zones
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has pledged government support for the expansion of the STEAM Summer Camp to the three senatorial zones of the state and its development into an annual programme for children and young people.
Governor Kefas made the commitment while receiving members of the STEAM Summer Team 2026 at the Exco Chamber, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, following the conclusion of their four-week educational programme on the Mambilla Plateau.
The programme exposed participating children and young people to practical learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), with emphasis on innovation, creativity and problem-solving.
Receiving the delegation, Kefas expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the programme, saying initiatives that expose young people to technology and practical skills could play an important role in preparing them for future opportunities.
He said his administration had restructured the state’s education sector, including the unbundling of the Ministry of Education into three ministries, to enable government give greater attention to different aspects of educational development.
The Governor assured the delegation that the state government would partner with the organisers to make the STEAM Summer Camp an annual programme and support its expansion beyond the Mambilla Plateau to reach beneficiaries across Taraba’s three senatorial zones.
Kefas also stressed the importance of keeping young people meaningfully engaged through education, innovation and skills development, noting that productive opportunities could help steer youths away from drug abuse, cultism and other social vices.
Earlier, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, wife of the Chief of Mambilla and facilitator of the programme through the Sarauniya Aishatu Baju Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by compassion and a desire to create opportunities for children on the Mambilla Plateau.
She said the camp was designed to promote inclusive innovation, strengthen local capacity through experiential education and inspire young participants to become innovators and future leaders.
According to her, the programme complements the educational priorities of the Taraba State Government while exposing children to learning experiences consistent with contemporary educational approaches.
Baju said the four-week camp provided participants with opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop practical skills, build friendships and broaden their aspirations.
She explained that the Sarauniya Aishatu Baju Foundation, established five years ago, focuses on creating opportunities for less privileged people, particularly women and children, adding that several beneficiaries had been reached through its interventions.
Also speaking, the team lead, Professor Hauwa Ibrahim of Harvard University, briefed the Governor on activities undertaken during the camp, including participants’ exposure to technology, innovation and practical learning experiences.
Taraba State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwa, commended the team for bringing the initiative to the state and contributing to efforts aimed at developing the potential of young people.
The visit ended with the presentation of an award of appreciation to Governor Kefas by the STEAM Summer Team in recognition of his support for education and youth development.
The team has since concluded its four-week programme and departed Taraba State.
