Gusau — Executive Chairman, Zamfara State Teachers' Service Board (TSB), Alhaji Nasir Ahmed Kotorkoshi has ascribed the problems facing the development of education in the north to the dearth of qualified science teachers.

Kotorkoshi, who said this in an interview in Gusau said the problem, if left unchecked, could hamper the technological development of the area, which he said was critical to the attainment of the country's vision 2020.

"The perception of many people towards sciences and science-related subjects in the north is one of apathy. Rather than concentrate on tackling the problems among pupils, many parents try to avoid the subjects altogether. This is causing serious challenge to education administrators in the country."

He urged the regional governments to give more incentives to science teachers and equip schools with modern science equipment. This, he said would help to create a conducive atmosphere for the teaching and learning of sciences so as to change the ugly trend.

"New monetary incentives should be introduced for science teachers, as well as encourage children to get involved in creative designs and technological innovations, which have direct bearing on their communities."

The Chairman also stressed the need for leaders in the region, irrespective of their political differences to embark on massive campaign to sensitise parents on the importance of science subjects.

He announced that the state government had approved the recruitment of 1500 teachers with emphasis on sciences and that more than half of these teachers have been engaged.