Omole urges investment in science education

Omole said this on Thursday during a three-day fair organised by ISL to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among pupils in Lagos. She also called for practical-oriented methodology in the teaching of science-related subjects in schools.

She said,"As we know, science and technology is the bedrock of development in any society, and if we are saying we want Nigeria to develop, we can’t but pay attention to science and technology education. "I think one of the challenges in science and mathematics education is the teaching methodology and one of the ways we addressed this at the fair, was to bring in tools that children could interact with and in the process of that interaction gain knowledge about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"I’ve realised that children are less likely to forget what they’ve learnt if the subject is taught practically."

Omole said the fair, which had pupils from over 100 public and private schools was designed to bridge the gap between classroom-teaching and real life application of STEM principles.

She added, "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fair, is our own contribution towards improving the performance of pupils in science and mathematics subjects in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations and National Council Examinations.

Also, a scientist from Rice University, United States, Mrs. Patricia Reiff, said fairs such as this would promote pupils’ interest in science and technology.

She said, "It is exciting when a country can build a new economy based on technology. India has been exceptionally successful in this, with computer software and support companies, and now even developing low-cost computer hardware. Other countries that have had successful boosts because of technology include Ireland, Israel and of course China. We need science in our daily life, in every field - engineering, telecommunications and others.

"This information should be passed on to pupils on a daily basis."

In his own remarks, the Lagos State Project Director, Mr. Bayo Kelekun, urged other private organisations to support the state government in promoting science in schools.