Education
THE Science Spot Services, a non-profit organisation has called for the entrenchment of Science Olympiad in Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria to boost education.
Mr Adewumi Odunnaike, the Director, National Tournament, Science Spot Services made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
Odunnaike said that the tournament would improve the quality of science education.
According to him, it will also encourage Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition among middle and high school students.
He said that the strengthening of STEM foundation was vital to boosting the future of the Nigerian economy.
He noted that factors, including lack of early encouragement and motivation; lack of tradition, science perceived as too difficult and unrewarding as well as lack of role models contributed to low number of Nigerians in science career.
He said that science Olympiad increased male, female and minority interest in science, creating a technologically literate workforce and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in students and teachers.
He said that the participation in Science Olympiad tournaments and non-competitive events as well as the incorporation of Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum would further achieve the goal of STEM .
He said that Science Olympiad had led a revolution in science education, and continued to challenge, inspire and inform academic and professional careers of students and instructors across America.
“What began as grassroot assembly of science teachers is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges.
“The Olympiad competition exposes students to practising scientists and career choices, and energises teachers with a dynamic content experience.
“Science Olympiad tournament has three divisions: Elementary Science Olympiad, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary,” he said.
Odunnaike further said that the objective of Science Olympiad tournaments had brought science to life, emphasised problem solving aspects of the course and the understanding of science concepts.
He said that the tournament would promote high levels of achievement and commitments among participants.
”It will also demonstrate that Nigerian students can perform at levels that surpasses expectations of practicing scientists and engineers.
”This will attract more students particularly females and minorities to professional and technical careers in science, technology and science reading,” he said.
Odunnaike added that Science Olympiad tournaments were academic and met national science standards and aligned with curriculum.
Founded in Clair Inn, Michigan in 1984, Science Olympiad is considered one of the most prestigious and rigorous STEM competitions in the U.S.(NAN)
F.A
May 6, 2024
