LAGOS- Dr Temitope Onuminya, of the Department of Botany, University of Lagos, has said that inadequate facilities for the teaching of Science in schools was a threat to accelerated development in the country.
Onuminya said this at the 8th edition of ‘Science Week’, held at the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) in Lagos.
The theme of the programme was: Science in the 21st Century.
According to her, the existing facilities in schools across the country are not enough to teach Science the way it should be taught.
She explained that the country might not realise its quest for accelerated development if it does not invest heavily in the acquisition of scientific materials, for the teaching of Science in schools.
The don also explained that there was also the need for an upgrade of laboratories in the schools.
‘’Governments across board need to ensure that they invest massively in both equipment and technical know-how, in order to teach science effectively and get the much desired results.
‘’Again, statistics have shown that there is a dearth in the number of science teachers in our schools and even where we have enough, there is little or no training for them.
‘’We must be able to move along with the trend so as to be able to compete favourably with other emerging economies of the world.
‘’ I feel on a general note that Nigerian students are brilliant and enthusiastic about learning, so much that when they have an opportunity to travel outside, they become theoretically grounded much more than they are exposed to the equipment and practicals,’’ she said.
The lecturer explained that understanding Science in the 21st century would help persons to be alert that times were changing, hence the need for technological development to improve, in order to tackle the various challenges facing the country.
Onuminya said that the use of modern technology in Science, especially ICT, as well as using biotechnology to improve agricultural products, both plants and animals, in order to get better quality are some of the benefits of Science.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Principal of the College, Rev. Chris Ugorgi, said that the theme for this year’s programme had immensely paved way for new discoveries that had saved many lives and resources.
He noted that it had helped in the acquisition of skills for entrepreneurship, faster and better means of communication, as well as transportation.
The principal said that various fields of life and human endeavour had greatly been improved by Science, thereby ensuring a better life.
‘’Our students and others are eligible future human resource persons in this field and can be exposed, trained, developed, equipped and fortified through this great annual occasion,’’ Ugorgi said.
The Head, Department of Science at the institution, Mrs Margaret Nyah, said that the science week programme was usually held annually, in order to discover various findings in science, from what had been, both old and new.
She noted that it also helped in exploring into what should be done towards an improved national and global lifestyle.
‘’Science is being celebrated because discoveries in the field of science in the 21st century will be unveiled.
‘’This will renew our commitment to building a better future and then the students will be encouraged to take to careers in science,’’ she said.
Reports state that Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu, was special guest and chairman of the event.
