FG to set up science centres in 6 geopolitical zones

The Federal Government is to establish science centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country to stimulate the interest of young people in science-related disciplines.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, stated that while inaugurating the Chemistry pavilion block of the Assumpta Science Centre in Ofekata, Owerri in Imo State.

He said the centre would serve as the headquarters for informal science learning in Africa with satellite centres in other parts of the continent.

He added that the centre would become an important platform through which the challenge of poverty, disease, illiteracy and underdevelopment in Nigeria and other parts of Africa can be fought and defeated.

The project, Dr Onu said, showed the commitment of the Federal Government, in partnership with the Vatican, to advance the frontiers of science and technology in an effort to enthrone knowledge-based innovation-driven economy.

He said the project re-affirms Nigeria’s commitment to Africa as a key component of her foreign policy, especially in the pursuit of sustained African brotherhood, development and solidarity.

• How to establish yourself as a leader

President-General of Ofekata community, Chief Iwuori, thanked the Vatican and the Federal Government for collaborating to establish the centre in Ofekata and called for more Federal Government’s presence in the community.

The Centre is expected to offer didactic laboratories supporting Science teaching and Learning in Schools and University as well as serve as a means of reaching schools in the rural areas through mobile units, exhibitions and lab kits for experience among others.