By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has commended the students of Government Science Secondary School, Area 3 Garki, and Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada for their brilliance on scientific inventions and presented at the just concluded 2022 Technology and Innovation EXPO organized by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and innovation in Abuja.
The two 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.
The Minister who congratulated the winning students for their performance at the EXPO, said that the FCT Administration is committed to the development of science and technology education in the FCT.
He noted that from global evidence of the crucial role of Science and Technology in the overall development of countries FCTA is encouraged to continue to support programmes like the Science and Innovation EXPO
Speaking after the presentation of the prizes to the students, the Director, Department of Science and Technology of the Education Secretariat, Mr Kola Olobashola, said that FCT schools had always been innovative and even clinched 3 top prizes at the 2021 edition of the EXPO.
Olobashola attributed the success of FCT Schools in Science and Technology innovation to the support of the FCT Minister and Administration as well as adequate preparations of the students and schools.
He said “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.”
The Minister he said has not relented in his support to inculcate a culture of science, technology and innovation in the life and heart of our students”
He also said the FCT has a well-organized school system with committed and qualified teachers and a very effective Quality Assurance Department that ensures that the school curriculum is implemented to the letter.
The FCT school system, he said does not tolerate any gaps in its teaching process citing the FCT Education Secretariat’s E-learning platform which was effectively deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary for Education, Malam Dahir El-Katuzu, stated that the FCT had won the three top prizes as it had done previously and promised to ensure that the it retains the top positions.
El- Katuzu admonished parents to encourage their children and wards to take up science and technology subjects in schools, noting that science and technology were imperative to living in the world today.
He however said that efforts were being made to further encourage students to overcome the phobia for mathematics which is the bedrock of science and technology education.
