The Federal Government has given out science kits made by indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria to 40 secondary schools drawn from the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Making the presentation today (June 22) in Abuja at the training of teachers on the use of the kits during which the kits which were manufactured by the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu were distributed to the lucky schools, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the scientific kits would spur the curiosity of young Nigerians and further stimulate the interest of students to study science, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He said students would explore different branches of science including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Ecology and Astronomy and teachers would be further trained on the use of the science kits, adding the nation needed the manpower to efficiently utilize all the natural resources available in all parts of the country.
“Nigeria has the human beings who if properly educated can fully exploit and convert her abundant natural resources into products and services needed both at home and abroad.
“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 said.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, said the distribution of the science kits was geared towards encouraging students to be scientifically inclined in their educational pursuit, adding Nigeria is endowed with enough mineral resources and intelligent people and cannot afford to be irrelevant in the committee of nations.
He called for a synergy between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education to develop a comprehensive science curriculum for students.
Earlier, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr. Edet Akpan, said the distribution of scientific kits to secondary school students would increase their interest in STI, even as he advised that scientific development should be for the benefit of the society, and boost the creative mindset of young Nigerians.
