Lagos – A teacher, Mr Matthew Olalonkun, on Thursday canvassed the employment of more science teachers into public secondary schools, to enhance the development of science and technology in Nigeria.
Olalonkun, the Head of Department, Science, Nbari Nbayo Secondary School, Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that most schools could not meet the required teacher: pupil ratio.
He said that science teachers in public schools needed training and re-training, to compete favourably with their counterparts in private schools.
Olanlokun said that the public secondary school science teachers were deficient in the usage of modern techniques and equipment, thus reducing the students’ interest in science.
He said that science was very important to the development of the nation and urged the government to invest massively in it.
“Our government is not encouraging science; we do not have the fund to conduct research and innovations that will put the country on the world map.
“The few scientists who have come up with fantastic innovations do not have the market to sell; people don’t encourage us.
“This is the time for government to shift attention to science and technology education.
“Science is life; it is the key to innovations and discovery. Most developed countries like Malaysia, Japan, China and Singapore are enjoying the benefit of science.
“Most schools don’t have science teachers and the few ones overstretch their teachers.
“There is urgent need for government to employ more teachers,’’ Olanlokun said.
He said that the students were not interested in science subjects because it was too challenging and required a lot of calculations.
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According to him, many science students relocate abroad because there are more opportunities there than in Nigeria.
“The major problem we have with the students nowadays is that majority of the students do not know how to manipulate figures in Mathematics.
“Any student who understands mathematics will never run away from science; it is very simple but needs constant revision.
“Most schools do not have up-to-date facilities to teach science.
“Science teachers need to work hard and go beyond the curriculum in their teachings, for their students to be outstanding.
“Today, most of the questions in senior secondary school examination are very broad, it goes beyond reading just one textbook; so, teachers must go beyond the curriculum.
“There is shortage of science teachers in many public schools; sometimes, the parent-teacher association employs few hands to support the available staff,” he said. (NAN)
Educationist canvasses employment of more science teachers
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