Leadership (Abuja)
Stella Eze
21 April 2008
Nigeria is billed to host the first ever International Council of Associations for Science Education regional conference in Africa by May next year.
The conference is an effort to vault Africa beyond the ignoble ranking on most development indicators, occasioned by low level of investment in the development of human capital., distortions in the institutional framework for economic management among other critical factors setting the region back in harnessing the rich resources at its disposal.
The objectives of the regional conference is to among other things review development in Africa in all its facets with a view to identifying key challenges that can be addressed through science and technology education, and as well propose strategies for strengthening regional and sub-regional partnerships to promote sustainable development.
Speaking while on courtesy visit to intimate the minister of education Dr. Jerry Agada on the upcoming event, former executive secretary of Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) Prof. Peter Okebukola, said the choice of Nigeria as a host country would not only be beneficial to the country but the continent as a whole, which is in deer need of urgent development.
He said; "we are tired of Africa staying at the bottom of league table of development indices. We want to use this opportunity to ignite the move for sustainable development through science education. It would stimulate greater awareness and muster greater commitment to invest in science education in order to develop human capital.
"Science education is the only means through which we can actualize our vision 2020, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)", he added
According to him, the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) is an arm of ICASE International and are closely working together to ensure a successful outcome of the conference.
President of ICASE International, Prof. Paul said, the organisation has interest in developing the continent, hence the resolution to host the conference in Africa to act as a catalyst for the growth of science education.
The theme of the conference he said is "Meeting the Challenges of Sustainable Development in Africa through Science and Technology Education"
Also speaking, minister of education, Dr. Jerry Agada said, Nigeria has been made proud for being selected to host the important conference, which would attract participants from all over the world.
He described ICASE as a driving force for STAN, adding that the ministry would be ready to render any assistance to ensure a comprehensive planning and execution of the ICASE project, come May 2009.
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