A non-governmental organisation, NGO, Science Advocacy for Youngstars Initiative, SAFYI, has called on the government to provide adequate availability of science equipment in public and private schools laboratories.
The Convener of the NGO, Dr Ebenezer Ajayi who made the call on the sidelines of SAFYI 2023 Science Advocacy for Secondary School Students held at Osun State University, UNIOSUN, campus on Friday said this will help shape the future of youths in science space.
Ajayi, who is also the acting Head of Department of Biochemistry at UNIOSUN, speaking at the programme themed: “2023 Science Advocacy for Youngstars Initiative”, disclosed that the purpose of the programme was to expose young students to scientific research experiments, which would be of great benefit to them in their academic pursuits.
“We believe at the end of the programme, the students will be able to appreciate science and their love for science.
“Also, the organisation plans to expose the students to some biology microscopic diagnosis, which will play key greater roles in their various academic disciplines”, he said.
Also, the Director of Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Prof. Babatunde Akinde, UNIOSUN, said the programme would further enlighten students on the need to develop interest in science related subjects and courses.
Akinde advised that all subjects in both primary and secondary schools be made practicable in order to avoid subjects discrimination, which might affect the psyche of students.
He urged private institutions to support governments in donating science-based equipment, building of science laboratories and scholarship for students as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Segmo Health Impact, Mr Abiodun Moyinoluwa, an NGO, said there were many benefits embedded in science related courses, when embraced by students.
Moyinoluwa appealed to school owners to ensure that science facilities were available and well-equipped for the benefit of students willing to venture into science courses.
In his remarks, the Chairman of National Association of Academic Technologists, UNIOSUN, Mr Samuel Akinwale noted that about 80 percent of public schools science laboratories were underfunded and the need to bridge the gaps was paramount.
READ ALSO : Lagos State removes structures around schools in Badagry
Akinwale said his association had concluded plans to ensure that adequate measures were put in place through its networks and monitoring units.
According to him, science education plays significant roles in the development and growth of developing economy, especially in Nigeria.
“If we must get to that Nigeria of our dreams , we must address the issue of science and technology aggressively like other developed countries of the world”, he said.
The co-Founder of SAFYI Miss Chika Nnadi also called for stakeholders’ support toward bridging the education gaps in the science space.
Credible news reports that students drawn from 11 public and private schools in the State participated in the programme which is the fourth edition.
Crediblenews.ng
