From Ron Jacob, Jos.
Plateau commissioner of science and technology, Mr. Dan Manjang, has tasked the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to encourage pupils interest in science subjects.
The commissioner made the call on Wednesday during a visit to the office of Plateau SUBEB in Jos.
Manjang said the visit was to appeal to SUBEB to encourage children in their formative age to be interested in science and technology subjects as the world is revolving around technological inventions and innovations.
“The economy of world is controlled by science and technology and Plateau cannot be left out in this trend critical to our development.
“It is imperative that pupils’ interest are aroused at this stage through using objects in their environment and other teaching aids to illustrate the significance of science and technology in social and medical progress,“ he said.
He said the visit was also to seek collaboration with SUBEB to produce equipment and furniture for schools in the state which would help to boost its internally generated revenue for developmental projects.
The commissioner said that the patronage would help grow their local production centers to be able to compete favourably in the international market.
“The ministry through our agencies can supply locally produced school furniture, laboratory equipments and beds to schools in the Plateau. Moreover, the state MDAs should be in the forefront of patronising goods produced by state-owned centers.
“Our agencies, such as the technology centre, the science production centre and Technology Incubation Centers can supply school desks and chairs, test tubes, t-square, hospital and school beds, amongst others to schools in the Plateau.
“There is no wisdom going outside Plateau to purchase these items since they are of the same or even better quality than those produced outside the state,“ he said.
Manjang said that aside from increasing the IGR, patronizing the ministry would help to boost productivity and reduce redundancy among workers at the centers.
Responding, the SUBEB boss said the school curriculum was robust in incorporating objects of interest peculiar to the children’s environment in its teaching of science subjects.
He charged the ministry to conduct a needs assessment of schools in the state and ensure its products and services were of standard quality.
“The centers should also do well to produce the school items in large quantities to meet local demand,“ he said.
Everyday.ng reports that the ministry is currently negotiating with the Ministry of Health to supply hospital beds to public health centers in the state.