Gusau — Inadequate exposure, poor remuneration, voluminous curriculum content and general poor attitude to work by teachers and students have been identified as some of the key factors that impede the development of science and technical education in the country.

These factors and more have made teaching science in the nation's schools to fall short of expected standards, said Prof. Mamman Audu Wasagu, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Usman Danfodio University Sokoto.

He said this while presenting a paper, 'Reconciling Curriculum Design and Implementation for Effective Attainment of Science and Technology Education in the 21st Century for National Development', at a conference organised by the School of Science, Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau.

According to him, these factors resulted from overload of science curriculum content in the nation's schools, adding that to achieve international standards, "we need a critical mass of science and technology teachers who have first hand knowledge of what is done in other successful countries and then apply same knowledge in our environment."

Science and technology, he said were critical factors for national development and both have contributed immensely to the progress of nations. He called for a huge investment in science and technology if the country would have world standard students which it would be proud of.

Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Mohammad Alyu Anka said the conference was a serious attempt by the college's management to close the gap between theory and practical for national development.

According to him, curriculum planning had not been accorded the necessary attention it deserved in the country either locally or nationally.

He urged Nigerians to give adequate priority to education and see it as the responsibility of every members of the society.