The Anambra state government has held the fourth edition of the science and technology fair for primary schools
Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, called on teachers and other stakeholders to build capacity of citizens on digital technology at the event organised by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, (ASUBEB), at its headquarters in Awka, the state capital
He said there should be sustained efforts in giving children relevant orientation and education in technology early in life in order to achieve set objectives.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, explained that the idea was to instil from the early-stage skill-based education and empowerment in the children
The Anambra State Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, called on teachers to lay emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (STEM), at the foundational level, and teach the subjects in a way to generate pupils’ interests from an early stage of education.
In a keynote address with the theme, “Science, technology and innovation as bridge from poverty and insecurity to prosperity and security: catching them at their impressionable ages”, Professor Ifeyinwa Ezenwa of the Industrial Physics, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, noted that the theme was apt and couldn’t have come at a better time than now when the country is facing security challenges resulting from poverty and joblessness.
According to the Chairman of ASUBEB, Vera Nwadinobi, the science and technology exhibition provided the opportunity for schools that emerged champions at the six educational zones to showcase scientific and technological tools, equipment and materials that help to provide practical solutions to identified problems in the environment.
The Director of Academic Services of ASUBEB Awka, Stella Ezepue, noted that the introduction of the science and technology fair for primary schools in Anambra State is to lay a foundation for catching up with the realities of the knowledge-driven twenty-first century, which she said has necessitated the change of direction in teaching and learning.
The Science and Technology Desk Officer at ASUBEB Awka, Helen Nwankwo, explained that it is in recognition of the critical role of science, technology and innovations in lifting the populace out of poverty and insecurity that the National Policy on Education provides for teaching and learning of these subjects right from primary school levels.
PIAK
