By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Bello has pledged his administration commitment to science and technology education in the Territory.
He said the crucial role of Science and technology in the overall development of countries has further encouraged the FCT Administration to continue to support programmes like the Science and Innovation EXPO
In a statement issued on Sunday by Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the minister, said Bello stated this at the concluded 2022 Technology and Innovation Expo organised by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Abuja, recently.
Particularly, the Minister commended the students of Government Science Secondary School, Area 3 Garki, and Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada for their scientific inventions and Innovations during the event.
The statement said both schools won laurels for their presentations at the National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) category at the EXPO. While Government Science Technical College Area 3, Garki came second for its project which was the production of re-useable sanitary pads from banana trunks, Government Secondary School Gwagwalada came third for its automated water sprinkler system project.
Speaking after the presentation of the prizes to the students, the Director, Department of Science and Technology of the Education Secretariat, Mr Kola Olobashola, said that FCT schools had always been innovative and even clinched 3 top prizes at the 2021 edition of the EXPO.
He attributed the success of FCT Schools in Science and Technology innovation to the support of the FCT Minister led Administration as well as adequate preparations of the students and schools.
On his part, the FCT Secretary for Education, Malam Dahir El-Katuzu, stated that the FCT had expected to clinch all three top prizes as it had done previously but promised that changes will be implemented to ensure that the FCT retains the top positions.
He also called on parents to encourage their children and wards to take on science and technology subjects in schools, noting that science and technology were imperative to living in the world today.
El-Katuzu also said that efforts were being made to further encourage students to overcome the phobia for mathematics which he said is the bedrock of science and technology education.
