Improvement in science, technology crucial to attainment of vision 20:2020, says don

Doregos launch multi million-naira science laboratory

 FOR Nigeria to be among the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020 and strengthen its leadership role in Africa, Professor of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Prof Joel Babatunde Babalola, has urged the Federal Government to invest heavily in the teaching and learning of science and procurement of technological equipment.

 Besides, policy makers and education managers should make concerted efforts in ensuring the rightful application of science with modern technology in solving everyday problems.

  Interacting with The Guardian shortly after his keynote address at the 25th anniversary celebration of Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja, Lagos, Babalola stated that some countries have advanced technologically due to their ability to maximize the application of science in their daily lives. 

  He said, “The world is on the fast lane in terms of science and technology, and we must meet up with that pace. There is a technological chalk that does not allow teachers to write erroneously. There is also an eyeglass with something like computer programmed to censor human being and measure their intelligence level. There are lots of new developments in teaching and learning, and the country must move with the ever-increasing technology to meet its set goals. 

  “Nigeria is expected to be among the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020. To achieve this, we need technology to move and operate in the new market, and government must invest heavily in the procurement of advanced technological equipment. We have to improve our technological thinking, learning and sensitivity and be able to apply science in solving the nation’s and global problems,” he stated.

  The university teacher continued, “We have many scientists in the country, but the unfortunate thing is that when it comes to constructing ordinary roads, our technologies cannot take us there. When it comes to massive electricity installations, we have to bring people from abroad because we lack the technological know-how. The major issue is with our educational system and so government and policy makers should think scientifically, technologically and find solutions.”

   On the theme of the ceremony, which was “Learning for Sustainability,” he counselled that leaders in all sectors should expose their successors to expertise and the nitty-gritty of good leadership, just as he advised that in doing this, economic sustainability as well as political, social, technological, ecological and ethical sustainability must be taken cognizance of. 

   He commended the management of the school for its commitment to ensuring that quality is sustained at all levels of the institution.

  Speaking after the commissioning of the N12m Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratory, the founder of Doregos Private Academy, Mrs. Clementina Abeke Doregos, advised school owners and managers to routinely improve their facilities, the environment and teachers by keeping them abreast of new developments in teaching and learning globally.

   “Schools should keep on changing with the times. The fact that you did it very well at the beginning does not mean you should not improve the facilities periodically as the years go by.