A journalism lecturer at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Dr Kola Adesina, has proposed a brand new training framework, referred to as MASHET, instead of the extensively adopted STEAM mannequin.
According to Adesina, MASHET, which stands for Maths, Arts, Science, Humanities, Engineering and Technology, will improve the nation’s training system greater than the present Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics training mannequin.
STEAM was formally launched in Nigeria as a federal initiative in 2023 when the pilot mission was launched throughout Adamawa, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto.
Adesina unveiled the brand new framework by way of his LinkedIn web page, arguing that it addresses gaps within the STEAM mannequin.
He stated, “For 20 years we’ve pushed STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. STEAM got us far. But it has three blind spots.”
He argued that Mathematics is wrongly positioned on the finish of the acronym regardless of serving because the language of all different disciplines.
He additionally stated STEAM combines Science and Technology right into a single block, although analysis and discovery differ essentially from technological software.
The lecturer additional contended that the Humanities are excluded completely, noting that the “Arts” element of STEAM is essentially restricted to design and inventive arts, leaving out disciplines equivalent to historical past, philosophy, ethics and journalism.
“So I coined MASHET: Maths, Arts, Science, Humanities, Engineering, Technology,” he wrote.
Explaining the construction of the framework, Adesina stated Mathematics comes first as a result of it offers the inspiration for each different area of research.
He added that the Humanities are intentionally made specific as a result of competencies equivalent to important pondering, AI ethics and storytelling are now not non-compulsory.
“The Humanities are explicit because AI ethics, storytelling, critical thinking aren’t extras. They’re core,” he wrote.
He additionally argued that Science and Technology needs to be handled as distinct disciplines as a result of society requires each researchers who generate data and technologists who apply it.
According to him, in contrast to STEAM, which he described as “STEM plus one add-on,” MASHET provides equal prominence to all six disciplines.
“STEAM taught us how to build,” he wrote. “MASHET teaches us what to build, and why it matters to humans.”
Adesina stated his journalism background influenced the framework’s emphasis on ethics, context and human-centred innovation.
“Journalism taught me that facts without context are noise. Tech without ethics is dangerous,” he wrote.