Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has pledged to encourage scientific thinking in schools in order to create a knowledge driven economy and to compete globally.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora who disclosed this at the 2022 World Science Day for Peace and Development with the theme “Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development’’, said is very key as there can be no growth and development of any nation without the appropriate utilization of Science.
Mamora said the ministry has created the 774 young Nigerian scientist presidential award to develop and sustain interest of Nigerian youth in science.
And also the winners of the award will be given scholarships to PHD levels of universities within the country.
” The knowledge of science will never run dry unlike resources, when we catch them young we will encourage scientific thinking especially in primary schools”, he said.
Adding that with Basic Sciences, human efforts and time in production is reduced whereas productivity is increased and sustained.
The Minister also hinted that as part of events to commemorate the world science day, the federal ministry of science, technology and innovation in conjunction with other States’ related Ministries of Science and Technology embarked on different activities, such as visits to selected secondary schools for guidance and counselling to encourage and advise them on taking science as profession in Nigeria, the challenges as well as the benefits; excursion of selected students to notable research institutions to stimulate their desire for studying basic sciences.
Furthermore, he revealed that due to the premium placed on developing the local capacity and capability for socio-economic development by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal executive council recently in October, 2022, has approved the National Policy on welding and welding related fields, which is to provide the framework required to give direction to codes, ethics, standards and quality observances in welding practices for all stakeholders in the country.
According to him, the National welding Policy represents a declaration and commitment to the priorities, directions and practical support that Nigeria intends to provide for promotion and regulation of welding practices in the country.
“It is a concrete and bold step to put the participation of all stakeholders, especially the welding practitioners at the forefront of driving national development efforts of government through the utilization of welding and welding related activities as catalysts in the construction, manufacturing and production sectors of the economy.
In our efforts to encourage the interest of students in the basic sciences in the country”, he said.
Speaking on the theme of the day, Prof. Uno Uno said the basic science taught in schools provides solutions to everyday problem.
Adding that there will be no development without basic science, as it gives room for research.
The Secretary General of the Nigeria national commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO), Olagunjua Idowu, disclosed that On 2nd December 2021, the International Year of Basic Science for Sustainable Development was proclaimed by the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly for the year 2022.
Idowu who was represented by Ayara Eunice noted that the applications of basic sciences are vital for advances in medicine, industry, agriculture, water resources, energy, environment, communication and culture whichwhich will in turn increase societal well-being, and promote peace and the purpose of achieving the sustainable development goals SDGs.
