By Stanley Onyekwere
The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has commended the students of Government Science Secondary School, Area 3 Garki, and Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada for their outstanding scientific inventions and innovations, at the just concluded 2022 Technology and Innovation EXPO organized by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, in Abuja.
Recall that students representing 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.
Malam Bello, who met and congratulated the students for their performance at the EXPO, reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to the development of science and technology education in the FCT.
He noted that the realization of 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
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 FCT schools had always been innovative and even clinched 3 top prizes at the 2021 edition of the EXPO.
He however attributed the success of FCT Schools in Science and Technology innovation to the support of the FCT Minister and Administration as well as adequate preparations of the students and schools.
According to him: “We make sure each of our schools has a particular innovation peculiar to it and its community and when programmes such this come up, we showcase the best of what our schools have to offer.
“ We also acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the FCT Minister and the Administration for their support in helping us inculcate a culture of science, technology and innovation in the life and heart of our students”.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the FCT has a well-organized school system with committed and qualified teachers and a very effective Quality Assurance Department that ensures that the school curriculum is implemented to the letter.
Stressing that the FCT school system, does not tolerate any gaps in its teaching, the Director said “we do not entertain gaps and when there are challenges, the system rises up and fills them. For instance, the FCT Education Secretariat’s E-learning platform was effectively deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic”.
On his part, the Secretary for Education, Malam Dahir El-Katuzu, revealed that the FCT had expected to clinch all three top prizes as it had done previously.
El-Katuzu however promised that changes will be implemented to ensure that the FCT retains the top positions.
He therefore 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 further opined 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.
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