The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya says with proper training, Nigerians have the ability to fully exploit and convert her abundant natural resources into products and services needed both at home and abroad
The Minister stated this during the distribution of science equipment made by indigenous manufacturers to 40 Secondary Schools in the country.
During the Distribution and Training of Teachers of indigenous Science equipments for Junior and senior secondary schools in Abuja the nation’s capital, Dr. Ogbonnaya also urged students to embrace STEM education to develop the nation in the nearest future.
Dr. Onu said that the scientific kits will spur the curiosity of young Nigerians and further stimulate the interest of students to study Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM.
The Minister further disclosed that teachers will be trained on how to use the indigenous science kits for both Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.
“We can produce the necessary manpower needed to add value to the abundant natural resources available in the country”. He added.
Dr. Onu said that the nation needs the manpower to efficiently utilize all the natural resources available in all parts of the country.
“It has become necessary to educate Nigerians in such a way that they embrace the study of Science and mathematics. We are convinced that by doing so, in our schools, we can produce the necessary manpower needed to add value to the abundant natural resources available in the country “he added.
The indigenous science kits were made by the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI) in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria.
The indigenous science kits include, Test tubes, Watch glass, Beaker, Wash bottle, spring balance, Spatula among others.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya at the distribution and training of teachers of indigenous Science kits for Junior and secondary schools said that the kits will encourage the interest of Nigerian youths and further inspire students to study Science related Subject.
The Minister further said that the Ministry is determined to help achieve the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration goal of building a strong nation.
“The indigenous Science kits are in line with the Presidential Executive Order No5. By using these Science kits, the students will explore different branches of Science including Chemistry, Biology Physics, Ecology and Astronomy “he said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, said that the distribution of the Science kit is geared towards encouraging Nigerian students to be scientifically inclined in their educational pursuit.
Nigeria, the Minister said is endowed with enough natural resources and talented people and cannot afford to be irrelevant in the comity of nations.
He therefore called for synergy between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education.
He added that “ this is my personal view: it is on this note that I call for collaboration between the ministry of Science and technology and the ministry of Education to develop a comprehensive Science curriculum for STEM for Secondary schools to harmonies effective educational system for the country in term of Science, Technology and Innovation”.
In an interview with Journalist, a Scientist from the Scientific Equipment Development Institute, in Enugu State, south-east Nigeria, Mr. Onyedikachi Okoye said Nigeria is doing great to bridge the gap in Science and Technology in the country.
Also, one of the beneficiaries, a Teacher from Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria, Mr. Bindip Lachang, commended the Nigerian Government for the scientific equipment and promised that they will use the equipment judiciously.
Nnenna.O
