NPP officially launched BSTEM – Dr. Adutwum

Former Education Minister and Bosomtwe Member of Parliament, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has asserted that the Basic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (BSTEM) initiative, which is being celebrated today, was initially launched during his tenure.

His remarks come in the wake of the BSTEM programme’s relaunch in Sunyani earlier this week by current Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.

The initiative aims to provide basic school teachers with contemporary skills, digital resources, and innovative techniques to enhance the teaching of science and mathematics, making it more engaging and accessible.

During the launch, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged that the concept was originally developed under former Minister Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang between 2012 and 2016, but it was not until this year that it was revived.

In response to a query on Joy Learning, Dr. Adutwum emphasized that BSTEM was officially implemented during his administration, rather than just being a conceptual idea.

“I just recently saw that BSTEM has been launched. But we launched it on November 1, 2024, at East Legon, Under-Bridge. If it has been launched again, that’s fine,” he said, adding that his team not only started the programme but also secured funding for it before leaving office.

He explained that while the original STEM policy under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo focused on senior high schools, BSTEM was specifically designed to extend those benefits to junior high and primary schools.

“I don’t think you can talk about STEM without acknowledging the work we did,” he noted, pointing to what he called the foundation of the country’s STEM and BSTEM revolution.

Dr. Adutwum also emphasized various initiatives launched during his time in office, which include the creation of new STEM-oriented schools, the transformation of certain public schools, and infrastructure improvements at institutions like St. Barnabas and Osu Presbyterian Secondary School.

Additionally, he pointed out advancements in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) along with the introduction of new senior high school courses in Biomedical Science, Engineering, Aviation, and Aerospace.

While defending his achievements, Dr. Adutwum praised Mr. Iddrisu for his commitment to continuing the program, underscoring the importance of ensuring that education policy rises above partisan politics.

“Continuity is important,” he said. “Governments should focus on strengthening national initiatives that improve learning outcomes.”

Source: Seth Yeboah