The Ministry of Science and Technology on Tuesday, in Abuja distributed indigenous science kits to some selected junior and senior secondary schools in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to raise the standard of education in the country.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, at the distribution of the kits to the representatives of beneficiary schools, said it was a bid to stimulate the interest and curiosity of young people towards the study of science and mathematics.
He said that the gesture would go a long way in encouraging and stimulating the drive for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in the country.
“The science kits that are distributed are locally produced by the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu.
The locally-made basic science kits donated to the schools included test tubes, bunsen burners, and measuring equipment, and others.
Science Students in the Laboratory
“The preference for indigenous kit is in line with the Presidential Executive Order No 5.
“By using these science kits, the students will explore different branches of science including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Ecology and Astronomy,’’ the minister said.
Onu, who said that some selected teachers were being trained in the use of these kits, noted that the effort would assist potential young scientists to help develop the country in future.
The minister emphasised the need for many young people to develop interest in the study of mathematics and the sciences.
“This has become very important because we need to produce the necessary manpower that can help us to effectively and efficiently utilise the abundant resources we have in the country,’’ he said.
Onu regretted that Nigeria for long had depended on other countries to meet its daily needs in many of the equipment, machines and industrial services needed for national development.
According to him, Nigeria has the human beings, who, if properly educated can fully exploit and convert her abundant natural resources into products and services.
“The continuous reliance on other countries, whereby we import most of the things we need is no longer needed,’’ he said.
Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, Minister of State for Science and Technology, in his remarks, advised that the Ministry of Education should work with Science and Technology to develop effective curriculum for STI in schools.
Mr. Edet Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, said that the distribution of the science kits was aimed at addressing support to battle challenges students encountered in the study of science.
“It is also to demonstrate how important science is to daily life in decision making and problem solving.
“We hope that it will equally help develop students mind and encourage them to actively participate in activities that elevate the society,’’ Akpan said.
A total of 40 schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country benefitted from the gesture of the ministry. (NAN)
Follow us on social media
