Wale Jagun
Lagos State Government has promised its continuous support for the study of science and technology in state schools as a way of dealing with 21st century challenges.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the year 2019 Science Camp held at the Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo in Ikorodu Division, Southwest of Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm, said that this is crucial in improving the productivity of our youths and more importantly, for the achievement of the Lagos Smart City project, saying that “This administration will continue to support science and create enabling environment through policies and initiatives”.
He noted that creative thinking capacity of our youths can be expressed and productively harnessed through encouragement, capacity building and maximisation of potentials such as being provided at the camp, promising that adequate attention would be given to providing well equipped science laboratories in schools.
“The THEMES agenda of the present administration emphasises the need to equip students with the knowledge and skills for the 21st century and in line with this agenda, adequate attention will be given to providing well-equipped science laboratories in our schools”, he reiterated.
Sanwo-Olu revealed that technology is presently ruling the world and only those who can effectively use science and technology have limitless opportunities, adding that technology remains one of the highest sources of paid employment while technologically savvy individuals are still sought after across the world.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Adeniji, disclosed that it has become necessary to develop students to be life-long learners of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), so as to enable them to meet the challenges in the 21st century.
He said the promotion of STEM education aligns with the worldwide trend of equipping students for the rapid economic, scientific and technological development.
Adeniji highlighted some of the major objectives of the camp to include developing a solid knowledge base amongst students, enhancing their interest in STEM education and nurturing their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
The Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, Mr. Olanrewaju Afinni, in his goodwill message, advised the students to concentrate and be focused in order to have a broadened knowledge of Science.
The one-week long annual programme which has recorded tremendous success in bringing students from various schools together for both social and academic interactions, involves over 300 students selected through a competitive test across the six educational districts in Lagos.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Permanent Secretaries/Tutor-Generals of all the six educational districts and school principals.
