Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has celebrated the students of the Government Science Secondary School, Area 3 Garki, and Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada for their scientific inventions and innovations that won them prizes at the just concluded 2022 Technology and Innovation EXPO, organized by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and innovation in Abuja.
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 on the students performances at the EXPO, the minister stressed the commitment of the FCT Administration to develop science and technology
education.
He said that the realization of the crucial role of Science and Technology in the overall development of countries has encouraged the FCT Administration to continue to support programmes like the Science and Innovation EXPO.
This was even as the Director in the Department of Science and Technology of the Education Secretariat, 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 Minister and Administration as well as adequate preparations of the students and schools.
“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 Minister and the Administration for their support in helping us inculcate the culture of science, technology and innovation in the life and heart of our students.”
He said that the FCT has a well-organized school system with
committed and qualified teachers and a very effective Quality Assurance Department that ensures that school curriculum is implemented to the letter.
According to him, the FCT school system does not tolerate any gaps in its teaching process.
“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.”
Also speaking, the Secretary for Education, Malam Dahir El-Katuzu, said that the FCT had expected to clinch all three top prizes as it did previously but promised that changes would be made to ensure that the FCT retains the top positions.
He called on parents to encourage their children and wards to embrace science and technology subjects in schools, saying that science and technology are imperative to living in the world today.
Malam El-Katuzu said that efforts are being made to further encourage students to overcome the phobia for mathematics which he said is the bedrock of science and technology education.
