FG partners states on science education.

[FMINigeria]

                        As part of efforts to promote interest in the teaching and learning of the sciences and mathematics at all levels of the educational system, the Federal Ministry of Education, in conjunction with UNESCO, Nigeria office is holding advocacy/sensitization workshop for States Ministries of Education and SUBEB Chairmen in the six geopolitical zones to set up the Nigeria-UNESCO Science Project, as well as the need to provide adequate science and technology equipment and kits in schools.

In his keynote address at the workshop for the North-West Zone, held in Kaduna, Dr. MacJohn  Nwaobiala, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, said that science education has been recognized as the springboard for providing the critical mass of skilled manpower and enlightened citizens  needed to drive the economy of nations.

Consequently, he said, the Federal Ministry of Education has developed Science Improvement Project (SIP) Policy guidelines, partnership and framework through which its various Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) education reforms can be actualized.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director, Technology and Science Education, Engr. Michael Kalu Ofor said that the advocacy and sensitization workshop aimed at enlisting the support and partnership of all the States' Ministries of Education, States Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), FCT Education Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders on the need to provide adequate laboratory equipment and science kits in the schools.

According to him, it was in pursuit of science education that the Nigeria–UNESCO Special Science project was initiated with a view to producing effective learning technique for basic science, technology and mathematics, outcome of which was the procurement and distribution of macro-science kit equipment to selected schools at the 1st phase of the project.

He expressed the hope that the workshop would motivate the State Governments and SUBEB Chairmen to own, fund and sustain the project, noting that adequate provision of laboratory equipment and science kits will enhance and demystify the teaching and learning of science, technology and mathematics in the classrooms.

Earlier in his address, the Director, Technology and Science Education, Engr. Michael K. Ofor, read by Mr. Sylvanus Ifedigbo said that the pilot phase of the Nigeria-UNESCO Special Science Project was successfully implemented between 2005 and 2009.

He said the workshop was to prepare the minimum standard expected for science and mathematics equipment required in schools/colleges, as well as to guide States and FCT in making the estimate(s) of cost implication of providing equipment for their schools/colleges.

In his welcome address, Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, represented by Mallam  Ya'u Jumare, noted that the place of science and technology education in any society cannot be overemphasized.

He said that it is in recognition of this, that Kaduna State has taken the purchase and supply of science and technical equipment to schools across the state as a priority.  This, he said, is in addition to the establishment of four additional Science Secondary Schools and a Department of Medicine in the State University.

The Commissioner further said that ten primary and ten secondary schools in Kaduna State benefited from the provision of Science and Technology Education Equipment and kits of the Federal Ministry of Education in 2005 under the Nigeria-UNESCO Special Science Project. He gave the assurance that the State will do everything possible to support the programme.

In his goodwill message, UNESCO Country Director in Nigeria, Prof. Hassana Alidou, represented by Dr. Osuji Otu, noted that there is increased awareness that most African countries including Nigeria may have to struggle to achieve any of the development objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) unless there is substantial investment in building the human resource capacity and promotion of scientific research and development in Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME).

According to him, strengthening capacity in science for sustainable development and harnessing the fruits of scientific discoveries can only be achieved within a comprehensive framework and need to respond with policies, programmes, institutions and partnerships.

While saying that UNESCO will continue to provide technical assistance, play advisory role to the government of Nigeria, he urged all stakeholders to invest in STME so that Nigeria will not be left behind, as well as to making STME interesting to the youths in general and girls in particular, to guarantee a sustainable development for the country.

Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria