An Industrial Engineer, Mr Olusola Kayode, on Monday in Abuja, suggested that teaching of sciences and mathematics from the secondary school level be encouraged to support
industrial and national development.
Kayode said that the Federal Government should motivate young Nigerians to study mathematics and science related courses right from secondary schools.
He said that such motivation was necessary for the country to produce highly skilled engineers, technologists, technicians and artisans needed for industrial and national development.
“We have treated the teaching of science and mathematics with levity in this country’s technology and we need to change this attitude and the policy.
“I believe strongly that if our educational system is overhauled, teaching of science and mathematics even from Junior Secondary Schools, will address the issue of the needed skills technology acquisition.
“The technology skill gap can be filled only with proactive approach.
“Let us not also forget that even when you want to teach sciences, you need to train and retrain teachers,’’he added.
Kayode, who is a former Nigerian Representative at UNIDO, France, also expressed optimism that adopting this approach proactively and religiously, would help develop a road map needed in achieving the development goal of the country.
He added that the Educational Trust Fund (ETF) could also gainfully assist in the teaching of science and mathematics at the basic school level.
He urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from what Costa Rica Republic did in the development of its pool of scientists for national development.
Kayode said that the pool of scientists built by the government of Costal Rica was what attracted Intel, an American Computer firm, to the country in its quest for developed human skills for production of some products needed in a computer system.
“At the time the country was doing this, it found out that the teaching of science and mathematics was the answer to its technology need.
“And because secondary school leavers have been reasonably thought science, they now form a pool of what we call attractable trainees. ’’ he said.
Kayode said that Nigeria could also adopt the United States “K-12’’ programme, currently adapted to reproduce another pool of scientists to replace those it had lost to Asia over the years.
He said the approach which is a 50 year plan, was to encourage the teaching of basic science and mathematics in schools including kindergarten, primary and secondary education.
“Through the K-12, children will graduate from primary schools and go into secondary schools and universities.
“Even some are expected to end up in research institutes to develop a strong base for science, technology and innovation development,’’ Kayode added. (NAN)
